The No. 14 USC Trojans opened their season with a decisive 35-3 victory, but the sparse attendance at their home opener has sparked significant criticism and raised questions about the program's appeal.

Despite the team's strong performance on the field, the visibly low turnout at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the game, played on August 29, 2026, became a dominant talking point, overshadowing the on-field success.

Social media and sports commentators quickly labeled the crowd as "pathetic" and "absolutely embarrassing." Images and videos circulating online showed large sections of empty seats throughout the stadium, even as the Trojans were building a substantial lead.

The lack of fan engagement at a highly anticipated home opener for a ranked team raises concerns about the program's ability to consistently draw a significant fanbase, even with a winning record.

This situation contrasts sharply with the expectations for a program like USC, which has a storied history and a large alumni base. The sparse crowd suggests a potential disconnect between the team's on-field product and its ability to generate consistent fan enthusiasm and attendance.

While the source material does not provide specific attendance figures or explanations from the university, the visual evidence and the strong negative reactions from observers indicate a significant issue with fan participation for the event.

Further analysis would be needed to understand the underlying reasons for the low turnout, which could range from ticket pricing and scheduling conflicts to broader trends in college football fandom or specific perceptions of the current team.

The criticism highlights a challenge for USC football: translating on-field success into robust and visible fan support at home games.