The Latest Breaking News from Trojans

Lincoln Riley knows how to make a good first impression.

LOS ANGELES — When the coin came down in USC’s favor on Saturday, Lincoln Riley could have gone with conventional football wisdom. Let Rice receive the ball, and take the second-half kickoff.

The Rice Owls will meet the USC Trojans in Week 1 of the college football season on Saturday at the LA Memorial Coliseum.

LOS ANGELES — A few days remain before his defense's long-awaited debut at USC, but Alex Grinch's vocal cords have already been through the ringer. What's left of his voice comes out hoarse and gravelly. By this point in his career — entering Year 20 and his fourth stop as…

LOS ANGELES — Until it actually happens, there will be constant chatter about whether USC is "back" under Lincoln Riley. The debate will carry on with many subjective criteria being used by the program's supporters and detractors, but here's one objective marker that should be considered in the discussion:

It looks like Alabama and Ohio State are the teams to beat.

Ole Miss vs Troy game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Thursday, September 1

The former bluebloods of the sport are hankering for a comeback, and we break down what they are doing to get there.

LOS ANGELES — The running back could dart into the Heisman Trophy race by halftime of the first game. The quarterback likely will set school records. The twin edge rushers might pack a wallop that leaves their targets seeing double.

My college football preseason top 25:

A look at the best teams in the area heading into the upcoming season.