Analyst USC football biggest national title sleeper in 2026

As the 2026 college football campaign approaches, plenty of national focus remains fixed on traditional powerhouses. However, one analyst believes national championship contenders might be flying under the radar out in Los Angeles. FOX Sports college football analyst RJ Young recently identified USC football as his top sleeper pick to win the national championship this season. Young urged fans and analysts alike to stop sleeping on head coach Lincoln Riley’s squad.

“I think we should paying attention to USC,” Young emphasized. “Very much so… USC was the #1 offense in the Big Ten last year.”

“I think we should paying attention to USC. Very much so… USC was the #1 offense in the Big Ten last year.”@RJ_Young shares his sleeper pick to win the title this year | @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/xDPhiPOg1x

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) August 25, 2026

Young’s high praise rests on a solid statistical foundation. During their 2025 campaign, the Trojans posted a 9-4 record while fielding a dominant offensive unit. USC averaged a conference-leading 465.5 total yards per game, including a lethal passing attack that churned out 296.0 yards per contest.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava engineered that explosive unit, amassing 3,711 passing yards and 24 touchdowns through the air while adding six rushing scores on the ground. The Trojans capped off their offensive showcase season in the Alamo Bowl, putting up 27 points against TCU, despite losing. 

With 15 returning starters back in Southern California for 2026, including nine starter-caliber returners across the offensive unit, the Trojans boast the continuity needed to make noise. Riley’s offense now pairs experienced leadership along the offensive line with dangerous playmakers like wide receiver Tanook Hines and running back Waymond Jordan.

If the defense takes an incremental step forward under the physical addition of transfers like defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren, Young’s bold prediction could easily become reality.

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