Overview
- USC announced 51,144 fans at its 42-26 win over San Jose State, a figure that became a national story after television and social clips made the Coliseum look far emptier.
- The school cited an extreme heat advisory, a noon kickoff and limited shade as primary reasons for lower turnout and said it expects larger crowds later in the season.
- Coach Lincoln Riley publicly rejected what he called a "false narrative," saying attendance has risen during his tenure and that the opener was an outlier.
- Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire contrasted his sold-out Lubbock crowd with USC’s opener, using the comparison to highlight differences in home atmospheres and keeping the discussion in national headlines.
- USC’s next home game against Fresno State on Friday offers the immediate chance to change perceptions and the broader schedule — including games with Oregon and Ohio State — will shape whether the Coliseum’s reputation is restored.