USC Must Reclaim Dominance to Stand Out in LA

The Trojans face an uphill battle to regain their former glory and capture the attention of the star-studded city.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The city of Los Angeles is home to some of the biggest stars in sports and entertainment, making it challenging for the USC Trojans to stand out. Once a powerhouse under coach Pete Carroll, USC has struggled to consistently compete for national titles since his departure. To reclaim their place as a top draw in LA, the Trojans must return to being a perennial contender.

Why it matters

USC was once the talk of the town in Los Angeles, drawing massive attention with their success under Carroll. However, with the Lakers, Dodgers, and other LA sports teams commanding the spotlight, the Trojans have fallen behind in capturing the city's interest. Regaining their status as an elite program would allow USC to better compete for attention and resources in the crowded LA sports landscape.

The details

During the Carroll era from 2001-2009, USC won seven consecutive Pac-10 titles and two national championships, making them "can't miss TV" in the LA market. Since then, the Trojans have had some success, reaching Rose Bowls and conference title games, but have failed to maintain that level of consistent dominance. Meanwhile, the Lakers and Dodgers have continued to thrive, with the Lakers remaining one of the NBA's biggest brands and the Dodgers winning back-to-back World Series titles with a star-studded roster.

  • Pete Carroll was USC's head coach from 2001 to 2009.
  • USC won seven consecutive Pac-10 titles and two national championships during the Carroll era.
  • Since Carroll's departure, USC has struggled to consistently compete for national titles.

The players

Pete Carroll

Former head coach of the USC Trojans from 2001 to 2009, leading the team to seven consecutive Pac-10 titles and two national championships.

LeBron James

Superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Denzel Washington

Acclaimed actor and one of the most famous celebrities in the world, who was spotted courtside at a Lakers game interacting with LeBron James.

Shohei Ohtani

Two-way star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his exceptional pitching and hitting abilities.

Mookie Betts

All-star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a key part of their star-studded roster.

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What’s next

To regain their status as a top draw in Los Angeles, USC must return to being a perennial contender for national championships. Consistent success on the field would allow the Trojans to better compete for attention and resources in the crowded LA sports landscape.

The takeaway

In a city filled with sports and entertainment stars, USC faces an uphill battle to reclaim its former glory and capture the attention of the Los Angeles market. To stand out, the Trojans must return to being an elite, championship-caliber program that can compete with the Lakers, Dodgers, and other high-profile teams for the city's interest and support.