Only 51,144 fans showed up for USC’s season-opening win against San Jose State, and let’s be real, the optics were rough. For a program ranked No. 14 nationally, stacked with a Heisman Trophy contender at quarterback, and rocking legitimate College Football Playoff expectations, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum looked… empty. It’s a nationally criticized turnout that cast an awkward shadow, despite the Trojans getting the W.
Riley’s Playing Defense, But the Seats Don’t Lie
Lincoln Riley, though? He’s not buying any of it. He straight up rejected the idea USC has an attendance problem. He’s downplaying those thousands of empty seats, trying to pivot to the program’s “broader momentum.” Riley told reporters, “This is USC, right? People are going to pay attention, and people are going to have an opinion. That’s part of being a blue-blood school. I don’t buy into the false narrative.” He argues the criticism comes from folks who don’t follow the program and have never even stepped foot in the Coliseum. He insists attendance has gone up every year he’s been there, and they ran the table last year with “epic atmospheres.” He expects more of the same this season. But when you’re No. 14 and aiming for the CFP, a less-than-electric atmosphere just doesn’t cut it. The energy and urgency that should scream “national relevance” simply weren’t there.
The Numbers Aren’t Hitting Riley’s Tune
Riley might be talking a big game, but the actual attendance figures are telling a different story. USC’s average home attendance actually *declined* from 71,571 in 2024 to 67,782 in 2025. And this 51,144 crowd for Week 0? That’s the program’s second-lowest of the entire decade. Go back to October 27, 2018, against Arizona State, and they only had 47,406 fans, their smallest crowd since 2001. That game? USC lost 38-35. Other coaches are noticing, too. California’s Tosh Lupoi didn’t hold back, saying, “to turn on the TV after our practice last Saturday and to see that environment in Los Angeles, that’s disheartening to see what little amount of individuals came out to support.” USC’s official statement blamed “sweltering temperatures and humidity” for the opener’s turnout. They acknowledged having “high expectations and a premier home schedule,” and that they “know the competitive advantage an electric Coliseum atmosphere can provide.” They thanked the fans who showed up and said they “look forward to seeing increased attendance the rest of the season.”
So, while Riley is trying to brush it off, a blue-blood school with legitimate title aspirations needs its home stadium roaring. The Coliseum is set to host a pair of “key Big Ten battles” this season. Will those games finally bring back the “epic atmospheres” Riley promised, or will the empty seats keep talking louder than the coach? We’ll be watching to see if they can fill those stands and prove the doubters wrong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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