One of the most storied programs in all of college football, the University of Southern California football team is a charter member of the Pacific Ten Conference. They are tied with Ohio State and Notre Dame for having the most Heisman Trophy winners and have won or shared in seven national championships, most recently in 2004.
The USC Trojans defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 38-24, in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2009.ESPN.com: Sanchez Throws for 413 Yards, 4 TDs in Latest Rose Bowl Rout Two weeks after the bowl win, USC quarterback Mark Sanchez reportedly decided to skip his senior season with the team to enter the 2009 NFL draft.ESPN.com: Sources: Sanchez to Enter NFL Draft
Fast Facts:
- Head coach: Pete Carroll
- Inaugural season: 1888
- Joined league: 1959
- National titles: Seven (most recent in 2004)
- Home: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- Capacity: 92,500
- All-time: 742-300-54
- Colors: Cardinal and Gold
- Fight song: "Fight On"
- Bitter rival: UCLA
- 2007 W-L: 10-2
And the award goes to
There have been seven different USC players to win the Heisman Trophy, which is presented annually to the nation's best college football player. These past winners include Mike Garrett in 1965, O.J. Simpson in 1968, Charles White in 1979, Marcus Allen in 1981, Carson Palmer in 2002, Matt Leinart in 2004 and Reggie Bush in 2005.
Spirit of Troy
There have been many others that have contributed to the legacy of sustained excellence at USC. These players include Ron Yary, Frank Gifford, Lynn Swann, Jack Del Rio, LenDale White, Jeff Fisher, Tony Boselli, Junior Seau, Anthony Munoz, Ronnie Lott, Ron Mix, Bruce Matthews and Troy Polamalu.
Players in the NFL
- Sam Baker (offensive lineman)
- Darnell Bing (linebacker)
- John David Booty (quarterback)
- Reggie Bush (running back)
- Matt Cassel (quarterback)
- Shaun Cody (defensive tackle)
- Keary Colbert (wide receiver)
- Fred Davis (tight end)
- Sedrick Ellis (defensive tackle)
- Justin Fargas (running back)
- Lawrence Jackson (defensive end)
- Dwayne Jarrett (wide receiver)
- Winston Justice (offensive tackle)
- Ryan Kalil (center)
- Sammy Knight (safety)
- Matt Leinart (quarterback)
- Deuce Lutui (guard)
- Willie McGinest (linebacker)
- Billy Miller (tight end)
- Carson Palmer (quarterback)
- Mike Patterson (defensive tackle)
- Troy Polamalu (safety)
- Chilo Rachal (guard)
- Drew Radovich (offensive tackle)
- Keith Rivers (linebacker)
- Frostee Rucker (defensive end)
- Junior Seau (linebacker)
- Steve Smith (wide receiver)
- Lofa Tatupu (linebacker)
- Terrell Thomas (cornerback)
- Kenechi Udeze (defensive end)
- Chauncey Washington (running back)
- LenDale White (running back)
- Kyle Williams (offensive tackle)
- Thomas Williams (linebacker)
USC Trojans Football Leadership
- Pete Carroll
- 2001-present: Head Coach
- 1997-1999: Head coach, New England Patriots
- 1994: Head coach, New York Jets
- 2001-present: Head Coach
