In this edition of the Peristyle Podcast hosts Ryan Abraham and RJ Abeytia are back in studio talking about USC kicking off fall camp practices as the team gets ready for the highly anticipated 2026 college football season. With a fully open practice on Saturday and then two more opportunities to see the Trojans on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Ryan and RJ give their thoughts on how the team is looking this first week of fall camp.
Around 40 players and coaches were available on Monday for USC's preseason media day and the guys discuss what everyone had to say about their preparation for the season. Lincoln Riley spoke after Tuesday's workout and he shared details about the team's roster size and how the new five years to play five seasons rule is a positive development for the Trojans, especially considering the huge freshman class that is now available to play every game.
The guys also discuss the revival of the USC vs. Notre Dame series, with four games scheduled from 2030 to 2033. The Trojans wanted the games moved to early in the season to accommodate the travel of the Big Ten conference schedule and the Irish wanted to keep the game in October/November. When both sides couldn't come to an agreement, the series was paused and now we know it will be a four year hiatus before this storied rivalry gets going again.
The preseason Coaches Poll was released this week and USC came in at No. 14 behind three Big Ten opponents, Ohio State (1), Oregon (2) and Indiana (6), all three of which face the Trojans this season. USC will also face No. 17 Penn State and No. 19 Washington.
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