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.

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches in the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors and USC Trojans former guard DeMar DeRozan (left) poses with USC Trojans athletic director Lynn Swann attend a NCAA football game against the Utah State Aggies at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Basketball

Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.

Football

As the USC Trojans prepare for the 2026 season, there are two key stats that USC must build on to have an even better showing than in 2025.

Jan 2, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Jacob Cofie (6) reacts in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center.

Basketball

With USC Trojans forward Jacob Cofie deciding to return to USC for the 2026 season, USC assistant coach Michael Musselman makes a strong statement on how he could impact the roster.

Football

The USC Trojans have had a busy summer recruiting, but these two past visitors are worth paying attention to.

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (wearing white visor) celebrates along with defensive end coach Shaun Nua after kicker Ryon Sayeri (48) hit a 54-yard field goal in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Football

With the 2026 season approaching, many sports books have released projected win totals, and the USC Trojans' win total does seem to be one of the more intriguing projections in the entire Big Ten.

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

Following what seems to be a successful offseason, the USC Trojans do still have a little doubt surrounding the newcomers, with one key transfer left off an important Big Ten list ranking the top transfer portal additions.

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) is interviewed by NBC Sports reporter Kathryn Tappen after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

The USC Trojans hope to make the College Football Playoff, but their résumé will likely be compared against these three teams that could stand in the way of making that happen.

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

Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans may be one break away from taking a massive step forward in the Big Ten.

Oct 23, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson reacts during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Football

Heading into the 2026 season, the USC Trojans' schedule features three of the best wide receivers in the nation.

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Football

Following the 2025 season, USC Trojans cornerback Marcelles Williams has an opportunity to take a step forward and become one of USC's most impactful defenders in 2026.

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

With some key injury returners, the USC Trojans' offensive line could take another step forward in 2026 with one analyst giving USC's offensive front a favorable projection.

Football

Throughout the offseason, the USC Trojans have made several additions, with one key transfer on the defensive line who could make a major impact. ,

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome.

Football

As Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans prepare for next season, Riley does have some work to do before he can clearly become one of the elite college football coaches.

Aiden Checketts

Joined: Apr 8, 2026

USC Trojans Freshman Class Boosting Big Ten Potential

USC Trojans' Toughest Losses in the Lincoln Riley Era

Lincoln Riley's All-Time Starting Offense at USC

USC Trojans' All-Time NBA Draft History

Football

Two Numbers To Know for USC Trojans Offense

Basketball

USC Trojans' Jacob Cofie Turning Heads After NBA Combine Experience

Football

Two USC Trojans Recruiting Targets To Pay Attention To

Football

USC's Win Total Shows Where Trojans Rank in Big Ten

Football

One Key USC Transfer Left Off Ranking Of Big Ten Transfers

Football

Three Teams That Could Keep USC From the College Football Playoff

Football

USC Trojans Still Excluded From Big Ten's Elite Teams

Football

Three Biggest Wide Receivers Tests on USC's Schedule

Three Keys for Cornerback Marcelles Williams to Improve USC Trojans Defense

USC's Offensive Line Turning Heads Before the Season

One USC Trojans Transfer Poised to Make an Impact

Alarming Trend in USC Trojans Coach Lincoln Riley's Latest Ranking