Trojan Glory: USC Football's Historic Journey Through Time
Witness one of the oldest college football programs on the West Coast. The USC Trojans have become a powerhouse in collegiate football that have been a force to be dealt with. The Trojan legacy began in 1888 when football first graced the university's campus. However, it was under the guidance of coaching legends like Howard Jones and John McKay that USC truly began to ascend. Claiming multiple national championships and developing various heisman winners the Trojans have built a powerhouse.
Pete Carrolls time at the University of Southern California is widely known as one of the dominant times in collge football history. Carroll was hired in 2001 as the head football coach for the Trojans, and began rebuilding immediatley. From the years of 2002 to 2008 the Trojans made a 82-9 record. Also in those years they found themselves winning two national titles in 2003 and 2004. The team's interesting style of play, known as "Fernandomania," showcased a high-powered offense and a tenacious defense. Carroll helped develop heisman trophy winners such as Caron Palmer and Matt Leinart. Carroll ended up departing from USC on good terms to pursue a career as head coach for a new stage, the National Football League.
Much like Ohio State and Oklahoma, USC is known for producing top level players as well. Several players have came out of USC as heisman trophy winners. The first to do so for USC was Mike Garrett in 1965. Later on in 1981, Marucs Allen continued the tradition of adding heismans to the USC trophy room. Reggie Bush, a dynamic playmaker, secured the Heisman Trophy in 2005. Reggie Bushed heisman was later vacated due to NCAA violations. One more notable heisman winner is Matt Leinart.