The Head Coach Eric Musselman era of USC men’s basketball has left many fans craving something more. Entering his third season since his hiring from Arkansas, the Trojans have yet to make the NCAA tournament, reaching a low point last year with an eight-game losing streak to end the season.

While USC fared better in nonconference play last season, Big Ten games proved to be the weakest link of the schedule, as the Trojans went just 7-13 against their conference opponents.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, USC enters the preseason as the No. 21 team in the AP Poll, with what Musselman said is the potential to be “the best team” so far. With only three key returning players, time will tell for a largely revamped roster.

Returners to play together for the first time

Senior guard Rodney Rice will look to return and help lead the Trojans after averaging 20.3 points per game in six games last season. His hot start was cut short, as he sustained a season-ending right shoulder injury in the Maui Invitational.    

Another key Trojan returner is sophomore guard Alijah Arenas, who averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game after returning from a knee injury last year. Arenas will look to mature and see his role grow further this season.

Junior forward Jacob Cofie will look to improve in his second year at USC after making strides across the board in his sophomore season. His defense and rebounding will remain one of the most important factors for Cofie and the Trojans.

The three key starters have yet to play a game together, outside of exhibition play this year, but the potential is promising based on USC’s three preseason matches. 

New faces join the Trojans

Size was a key emphasis for Musselman this offseason, and with a tall roster full of new faces, players living in the paint will be an essential part of the game plan. 

Freshman center Darius Ratliff, one half of the Ratliff duo, is a four-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American whose size will help the Trojans. His twin brother, freshman forward Adonis Ratliff, was a five-star recruit and will also look to bring length on the court and spread the floor.

Sophomore center Eric Reibe is a big man from UConn whose efficient scoring and rim protection will be a great addition in the paint.

One of USC’s prized recruits is the No. 6 player in the class of 2026, freshman forward Christian Collins. Collins’ high-volume scoring will be an effective addition alongside the Ratliff twins.

Senior forward Joshua Hughes joins USC from the University of Evansville. Hughes brings consistent play and double-double capabilities to the Trojans’ group of forwards.   

After frequent injuries and issues at the guard positions last season, Musselman must focus on solidifying the backcourt in the transfer portal. 

Returning from injuries, transfer senior guards KJ Lewis and Issac Bruns both come in with efficiency and a high capacity for scoring. Other strong ball distributors and scorers include senior guard Jalen Cox and junior guard Jadis Jones.

Key matchups in conference play

After going 2-1 in exhibition play to start the season, headlined by high-scoring performances from Rice and Arenas, the Trojans will look ahead to the first game of their nonconference schedule Monday. Though some matchups pose threats, including a bout against Utah State University, it’s the Big Ten schedule that is more intimidating.

While most of the Trojans’ toughest games were away last season, this year, the majority of them will be played at Galen Center.

On Jan. 12, USC will take on No. 6 Michigan State in the first bout of a tough four-game stretch. The Trojans will look to avenge their 80-51 loss in January and establish their position and team identity against a perennial March Madness contender in the Spartans.  

Eleven days later, the Trojans will face off against the defending national champions, No. 16 Michigan. In last season’s matchup, the Wolverines got the best of USC with a score of 96-66, thanks to turnovers, poor shooting and points in the paint. USC’s bigger lineup and solid backcourt will be a key strength in this matchup.  

Wrapping up the tough four-game stretch is a trip east to Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, for a game against the No. 3 Fighting Illini. Last season, Illinois won by a 36-point margin at Galen Center; with an upset win over Illinois, the Trojans would set themselves up for success in the coming weeks and boost their tournament hopes considerably.

Before conference play starts, USC will turn to 12 nonconference games, with the first coming Monday against the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 7:30 p.m. at Galen Center.