What Is 2006 USC Trojans football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 11–2 record and a No. 3 final ranking after winning the 2007 Rose Bowl 38–24 over Michigan. The team was led by head coach Pete Carroll and featured Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, who later had his records vacated due to NCAA violations.

Key Facts

The 2006 USC Trojans finished the season with an 11–2 record
They defeated Michigan 38–24 in the 2007 Rose Bowl on January 1, 2007
Reggie Bush won the 2005 Heisman Trophy but had it vacated in 2010 due to NCAA violations
The team started the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll
USC was later forced to vacate all wins from December 2004 through 2005 due to NCAA sanctions

Overview

The 2006 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Coached by Pete Carroll, the team played its home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and competed in the Pac-10 Conference. Despite high expectations and a preseason No. 1 ranking, the season was later marred by NCAA sanctions that led to the vacation of wins and postseason honors.

The team showcased a powerful offense and a deep roster, featuring stars like quarterback John David Booty, running back Chauncey Washington, and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett. Although the official record stands at 11–2, USC was later forced to vacate its wins from 2004 through 2005 due to rules violations involving Reggie Bush. The 2006 season remains a point of controversy and nostalgia for college football fans.

Record: The Trojans finished the 2006 season with an 11–2 overall record, including a 7–2 mark in Pac-10 play.
Rankings: USC began the season ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, reflecting their status as national title contenders.
Bowl Game: The team defeated Michigan 38–24 in the 2007 Rose Bowl on January 1, 2007, securing a final AP ranking of No. 3.
Heisman Impact: Although Reggie Bush played in 2005, his 2006 status was affected when the NCAA vacated his 2005 Heisman Trophy in 2010.
NCAA Sanctions: In 2010, USC was forced to vacate all wins from December 2004 onward, including the 2005 season, due to improper benefits.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2006 campaign featured several high-profile matchups and dramatic finishes, highlighting USC's offensive firepower and depth. Despite losing two regular-season games, the team remained competitive for the national championship until late in the year.

September 16, 2006: USC defeated No. 5 Ohio State 35–3 in Columbus, a dominant performance that solidified their top ranking.
October 14, 2006: The Trojans lost 31–28 to unranked Oregon State in double overtime, marking their first loss of the season.
November 11, 2006: USC fell 38–31 to UCLA in the regular-season finale, ending their national title hopes.
January 1, 2007: The team rebounded with a 38–24 win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl, finishing ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll.
Offensive Output: USC averaged 38.5 points per game, ranking among the top 10 nationally in scoring offense.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2006 USC Trojans compared to other top teams of the era in key statistical categories:

Team	Record	AP Final Rank	Points Per Game	Bowl Result
USC (2006)	11–2	No. 3	38.5	W, 38–24 vs. Michigan (Rose)
Ohio State (2006)	12–1	No. 1	35.2	W, 35–41 vs. Florida (BCS NC)
Florida (2006)	13–1	No. 2	38.9	W, 41–14 vs. Ohio State (BCS NC)
Michigan (2006)	11–2	No. 5	32.8	L, 24–38 vs. USC (Rose)
LSU (2006)	11–2	No. 9	29.5	W, 41–17 vs. Notre Dame (Sugar)

The 2006 USC Trojans ranked among the nation’s elite in scoring and defense, though their two losses kept them out of the BCS National Championship. Their Rose Bowl victory over Michigan, a top-five team, reinforced their status as one of the best squads not to play for the title. Statistically, they were comparable to champions like Florida, though off-field issues later diminished their legacy.

Why It Matters

The 2006 USC season is significant not only for its on-field success but also for its role in one of college football’s most prominent NCAA scandals. The team’s achievements were later overshadowed by sanctions, raising questions about compliance and athlete eligibility.

Legacy Impact: The vacation of wins stripped USC of two national championships (2004 retroactive, 2005 forfeited), altering college football history.
Reggie Bush Case: The NCAA found Bush received improper benefits, leading to his Heisman forfeiture and USC’s postseason ban in 2010.
Recruiting Influence: The scandal affected USC’s recruiting and program prestige, with a noticeable decline in top-tier talent in subsequent years.
Compliance Reforms: The case prompted stricter NCAA monitoring and compliance protocols across major college programs.
Fan Sentiment: Many fans still regard the 2004–2005 teams as legitimate champions despite official records.
Historical Record: Official NCAA records now list USC’s 2006 season with an asterisk, reflecting the vacated wins from prior years.

Despite the controversy, the 2006 USC Trojans remain a symbol of both peak performance and the risks of non-compliance in college athletics. Their story continues to influence discussions about amateurism and athlete compensation in modern sports.