USC head coach Lincoln Riley has brushed off criticism over sparse crowds at the team's season-opening win over San Jose State, calling concerns about empty seats a "false narrative". The Trojans, ranked No. 14, beat San Jose State 42-26 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, but images of unfilled sections circulated on social media, prompting questions about fan turnout for one of college football's biggest programmes.

Riley insisted attendance has risen every year during his tenure and pointed to strong atmospheres during USC's unbeaten run at the Coliseum last season, suggesting the criticism came from people unfamiliar with the programme. Hot weather, with temperatures above 90°F, and USC's status as heavy favourites may have kept some fans away, and the Trojans host Fresno State next with cooler conditions expected. Riley's claim faces a sterner test later in the season, with high-profile home fixtures against No. 2 Oregon on 26 September, No. 17 Washington the following week, and top-ranked Ohio State on Halloween.