One thing to monitor to start the season will be the USC Trojans' defense and how much it has improved. Gary Patterson's reputation will be put to the test this season. How much can he get out of the Trojans' defensive talent? The answer to that question will determine whether he becomes a USC legend and increases his greatness. The USC Trojans' defense should be primed to have a dominant showing in the 2026 debut against San Jose State.
Here are my predictions for the Trojans' defense in Game 1:
Run defense will improve, holding SJSU to 50 yards rushing
One area of weakness last season was the Trojans' run defense. Teams beat the Trojans by being the more physical team and dominating them on the ground. Bringing in a guy like Alex VanSumeren will drastically improve that. Along with some big, physical freshmen
who came in from this past recruiting class. The Trojans' defense will make a statement and show that improvement by completely stalling the Spartans' rushing attack.
Gary Patterson's defense will get 5 sacks
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Trojans' defensive line, as it features young, talented players and guys coming back another season with more experience. You add in Gary Patterson, a veteran defensive mind; he will put all of the talent on this defensive line in a great position to dominate. You will see that come to fruition in game 1. The Trojans' defensive line will feast on San Jose State, resulting in the Spartans' quarterback hitting the ground a lot on Saturday.
Luke Wafle will lead Trojans' defense in pressures
Luke Wafle will get the start for his debut. I think he will shine big time and show just how special he can be for the Trojans this season. Wafle will wreak havoc in San Jose State's backfield all game long. With him being a freshman, I do not expect him to get off the field early with the other starters. Wafle will be the most productive edge for USC in this game, and he will lead the Trojans in pressures, along with getting his first college sack.
Jontez Williams will get his first interception as a Trojan
Jontez Williams is someone who specializes in making plays on the football. Combine that with his elite ball skills, and you get a 4-interception season, as he had in 2024. I think that kind of season will happen for Williams, and it starts on Saturday with him getting his first interception at USC.
Trojans' defense will give up fewer than 10 points in this game
The Trojans' offense will get a lot of attention for their dominant day, but I believe the Trojans' defense being very stout in this game should be the headline. USC's defense obviously will need to be great this year for this team to reach its goals. I think Gary Patterson and company will make a statement and hold the Spartans to less than 10 points in their dominant debut.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah Huff's 5 bold predictions for Trojans' defense in 2026 Game 1
