There was increased attendance all around them after the Trojans attracted attention from across the nation for their low turnout in the season opener against San José State last weekend.
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Attendance appeared to be better than Saturday’s announced total of 51,144, though Friday’s announced tickets distributed of 53,014 represented only a mild uptick and remained well below capacity for the Coliseum (77,500).
USC averaged 67,783 fans per home game during the 2025 season.
Fresno State fans had come from as far as Florida to support the Bulldogs and add to the crowd.
To them, being a part of the Red Wave is a sign of respect for the hard work that the team puts in.
“It’s the grind they do,” said Brandon Wilson, a Florida resident who is originally from Palos Verdes. “It’s not given to them. They don’t get a lot of transfers, and they’re not a big-name program.
“But they beat the crap out of a lot of guys and they are hard-nosed and that’s why we show up every day.”
Wilson, who was at the game with his wife and toddler daughter, grew up a USC fan but has a younger brother who plays for Fresno State. He said he immediately switched allegiances when his brother joined the Bulldogs.
USC fans were still settling into their seats at halftime, just as the sun was setting behind the Coliseum and just before first pitch of the Dodgers’ 7:10 game against the Washington Nationals a few miles up the freeway.
USC was shutting out Fresno State 30-0 at halftime, rewarding the crowd that had braved Labor Day weekend traffic and chose college football over baseball – and maybe attempting to stick it to their critics in the process.
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STEWART, SHELBY OUT AGAIN
Defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart and defensive end Braylan Shelby were not in uniform Friday night, marking the second straight game they have missed.
Stewart is dealing with a foot injury while Shelby’s condition remains undisclosed. Both players are expected to be a major presence on the defensive line this season.
Tight end Tucker Ashcraft has yet to play in his first game as a Trojan. The Wisconsin transfer was not dressed for the game, and true freshman Mark Bowman logged his second straight start at tight end.
Linebacker Elijah Newby and backup quarterback Sam Huard were also dressed in street clothes and did not play.
ALUMNI VISIT
Former USC receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon, preparing to begin their NFL rookie seasons, attended Friday’s game. Lane recently made the 53-man roster for the Baltimore Ravens and Lemon, a first-round draft pick, plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lane snapped selfies with fans at the Coliseum after a breakout preseason, highlighted by a 16-yard touchdown catch from Joe Fagnano during a game against the Eagles.
Lemon has missed most of the preseason because of a lingering hamstring injury, but he is expected to return and be healthy for the regular season.
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