With high expectations entering the 2026 college football season, there is reason for belief that this will be the year that the USC Trojans finally break through and reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. Entering his fifth season as coach of the Trojans, Lincoln Riley looks to respond to the pressure of leading USC to the championship stage, and he has the talented roster to do just that. While the Trojans expect to make the CFP, winning a game and going on a playoff run would exceed expectations.Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) and head coach Lincoln Riley react after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWith fall camp set to begin and the home opener on Aug. 29 against the San Jose State Spartans around the corner, here are five reasons to believe that the Trojans can exceed expectations this season.Jayden MaiavaDec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Trojans will go as far as star quarterback Jayden Maiava can take them this season. As the Big Ten’s leading passer last season, throwing for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, Maiava is primed to take a step forward for the Trojans this season and lead USC back to the championship stage. Some are high on Maiava’s potential to be a contender for the Heisman Trophy this season, and if he takes a step forward and leads USC to the CFP, he could make a strong case to be a finalist for college football’s greatest individual award. Maiava’s consistency and leadership, which have grown this offseason, are the keys to the Trojans not only making the CFP, but going on a run. Gary PattersonTCU coach Gary Patterson during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. Oklahoma won 52-31.