The 2026-2027 campaign for the USC Trojans kicked off with a dominant 95-63 victory over the Milwaukee Panthers on Monday night at the Galen Center. The emphatic win serves as a strong opening statement for a program that has undergone a significant roster overhaul this offseason. USC enters the season ranked No. 21, a milestone that marks the Trojans’ first preseason national ranking and their highest placement at any point under head coach Eric Musselman.
Trojans drop 95 on Panthers, signaling a new era under Musselman
The foundation for this success was laid during a busy offseason, where USC assembled a seven-man transfer class ranked fourth in the country by On3 and a recruiting class rated No. 7 by ESPN. These high-profile additions have immediately elevated the team’s ceiling, allowing the Trojans to assert dominance from the opening tip. The performance reflects the tangible impact of these strategic moves, positioning USC as a serious contender in the upcoming season.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, head coach Eric Musselman remained focused on areas for improvement. “I’m impressed with some things we did from an offensive standpoint, like shooting the three, and super impressed with our two freshmen in the Ratliffs,” Musselman noted. “But we got a lot of things to clean up as far as taking care of the basketball. We’ve got to play better in transition.” The win improves Musselman’s record to 3-0 with the Trojans and 11-1 in season openers across his 12th collegiate coaching season, capping a night highlighted by strong contributions from sophomore guard Alijah Arenas.
Source: Yahoo Sports
