USC responds to empty crowd in Week 0 win, expects better attendance
USA Today
Last updated: August 31, 2026
USC experienced a notably low fan turnout for their Week 0 victory against San Jose State. The team acknowledged the reasons behind the sparse attendance, indicating an understanding of the situation.
- USC's victory over San Jose State in Week 0 was met with a surprisingly low number of fans in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Head coach Lincoln Riley and players commented on the situation, expressing understanding for the empty seats. Riley suggested that the team’s performance and the overall product they put on the field are key factors in driving fan attendance. He emphasized that consistent success and an exciting brand of football are what will ultimately draw more supporters to games. Players echoed this sentiment, recognizing that fan engagement is a direct result of their efforts and results. The team anticipates improvement in attendance for future games as they aim to build momentum and deliver a more compelling performance throughout the season. This acknowledgment suggests a proactive approach by the Trojans to address fan engagement by focusing on on-field execution and consistent wins.