When fans take their seats at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this Saturday for USC football’s home opener, things will sound a little different. 

A fixture for several years will be missing: the familiar voice of DJ Mal-Ski, the team’s longtime in-stadium host.

On Wednesday, USC announced a series of “game day enhancements” for the 2026 football season, including the arrival of KTLA reporter Hayley Elwood as the team’s new in-stadium host. Elwood previously spent multiple years as the host of the Los Angeles Lakers’ games, as well as a sideline reporter and writer for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The move seemingly signals the end of hosting duties for Mal-Ski, a staple of the Coliseum who made a name for himself as the loud, enthusiastic voice of Trojan football.

Outside of football, Mal-Ski has hosted most men’s and women’s basketball games at Galen Center since the 2013-14 season. He has served as the DJ for several professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals, as well as major events like the Final Four and College Football Playoff national championship.

The announcement did not mention what Mal-Ski’s role, if any, will look like at the Coliseum or Galen Center moving forward, though a source familiar with the situation told the Los Angeles Times that he will continue to be in charge of the Coliseum’s music. 

USC did not respond to the Daily Trojan’s request for comment in time for publication.

Besides the hosting change, USC announced several additions to the available concessions at the Coliseum, such as a “sword-style beer vessel” and a souvenir popcorn bucket. 

Each home game will also feature a themed promotion or campaign, including a “Cardinal Out” night against Oregon on Sept. 26. 

One thing is for certain, though: this year’s Coliseum will be a lot quieter in the absence of DJ Mal-Ski.