Aiden Checketts

Joined: Apr 8, 2026

Aiden James Checketts is a writer for USC Trojans on SI, apart of the Sports Illustrated network. He graduated from California Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a Master's in Business Administration. During his time at CLU, he also competed in collegiate football for all four years. He also has contributed for The Sporting Tribune, where he wrote on NFL Draft analysis and weekly previews for the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. Outside of work, he enjoys rooting for the New England Patriots and Golden State Warriors, watching movies, and trying new food whenever he can.

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) talks with quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava is poised to have his best season yet, but it seems there is some doubt on if Maiava can be the best quarterback in the country.

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Football

Heading into next season, the USC Trojans have once again added more depth to their roster through the transfer portal, which creates one conclusion for USC moving forward.

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

Following another season where the USC Trojans did not make the College Football Playoff, coach Lincoln Riley and the program have even more pressure to perform even better heading into 2026.

Football

In his post-spring top 25 rankings, national college football analyst Joel Klatt made a strong case for the USC Trojans to have a great season in 2026.

Football

As the USC Trojans head into next season, one college football analyst gave USC an interesting ranking following the spring season, which could bode well for what they accomplish in 2026.

Football

Heading into the 2026 season, the USC Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley are hoping to build on what they did in 2025, but based on their schedule, next season will not be easy.

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Allegiant Stadium.

Football

Early 2027 NFL Draft projections show only one USC Trojans prospect ranked inside the top 100 prospects.

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman gestures to his team against the Washington Huskies during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Basketball

As coach Eric Musselman and the USC Trojans head into the 2026 season, the additions of significant size in the frontcourt should help USC to compete in the Big Ten and have a much better showing than they did in 2025.

Jan 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb on the bench in the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Basketball

Heading into the 2026 season, the USC Trojans and coach Lindsay Gottlieb are set to find success next season and beyond with a top recruiting class and the return of two key players.

Football

After a solid freshman season with the USC Trojans, wide receiver Tanook Hines is ready for a huge jump in 2026 with one big prediction for his sophomore season.

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

After a great showing during 2025, USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava is ready for an even better 2026.

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Big Ten Network reporter Rhett Lewis (right) interviews Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley after the game against the Missouri State Bears at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Football

Following a solid spring season, the USC Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley are poised for another competitive season in the Big Ten, but will need three key players to step up.

Aiden Checketts

Joined: Apr 8, 2026

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