Another week, another USC crowd under the college football microscope as the media once again takes aim at Lincoln Riley’s Trojans despite the beatdown they put on Fresno State in Week 1.
Just one week prior, USC was subject to similar criticism when they hosted San Jose State for a Week 0 matchup in 90+ degree weather.
Now with cooler temperatures and an opponent closer to Los Angeles in Fresno State, it was widely expected that the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum would be packed out on Friday night. Still, once again, the Coliseum was glass-half-full, leading to mixed reactions as Riley and the Trojans failed to fill every seat.
College Football World Reacts to USC’s Attendance Vs. Fresno State
LA journalist Michael J. Duarte defended the low attendance, stating, “Lots of empty cardinal seats and lots of Angelenos stuck in Friday night Labor Day traffic.”
Here’s the USC crowd at the Coliseum at kickoff for their Friday night matchup against Fresno State.
Lots of empty cardinal seats and lots of Angelenos stuck in Friday night Labor Day traffic. pic.twitter.com/RPstAgFdu9
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) September 5, 2026
The popular football podcast Bussin With The Boys posted, “USC’s crowd is improving.”
USC’s crowd is improving pic.twitter.com/b9OBZxTIjS
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) September 5, 2026
The host of the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Taylor Lewan, agreed, writing, “Lincoln Riley called it.”
“Since everyone only wants to share photos of USC fans in pre-game, here’s what it looks like after the game has started,” stated a USC fan who also shared a photo from their seat.
Since everyone only wants to share photos of USC fans in pre game here’s what it looks like after the game has started pic.twitter.com/ULrgcGsdNF
— LA (@LASPORTSFANATIC) September 5, 2026
Still, just because the Trojans were able to fill a few more seats this time around does not mean the conversation will be put to rest.
“So… did USC fans show up?” posted Yahoo Sports.
So… did USC fans show up? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/m0PmY02b6u
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 5, 2026
“This is literally so embarrassing. How can you not fill a stadium?” joked a Notre Dame fan.
This is literally so embarrassing lmao
How can you not fill a stadium 😂 pic.twitter.com/EI5dYvVArN
— Biased Notre Dame Fan (@CFBGuy999) September 5, 2026
“Meanwhile in Norman LOL,” said a fan who shared Oklahoma’s packed Week 1 stadium.
Meanwhile in Norman LOLhttps://t.co/O0QqLvdjLY
— Data Please (@Datapleaz) September 5, 2026
The Trojans will have another opportunity to pack their stadium when they host the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns on September 12.
With the offense firing on every cylinder and a defense looking like one of the stingiest in the nation, USC now just needs a fan base behind it to resemble a top-tier program in college football, truly.
