Leinart: USC plans CFP push in 2026
Matt Leinart says USC should contend for the 2026 College Football Playoff under Lincoln Riley, thanks to a top recruiting class, returning quarterback Jayden Maiava, and a deep roster. He questions how Gary Patterson’s 4-2-5 defense will adapt to the Big Ten, while stressing Riley’s ongoing confidence and the need for players to execute, comments he shared across SI interviews and related campaigns.
Sports · 5 sources · Aug 28, 2026Read itThe journal
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About Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played college football for the USC Trojans, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the team to a perfect season in 2004. Selected 10th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2006 NFL draft, Leinart primarily served as Kurt Warner's backup for four seasons. He spent his final three seasons in a backup role for the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders. Leinart was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Everything about Matt Leinart →- Occupation
- American football player
- Citizenship
- United States
- Born
- May 11, 1983