The USC football program will wear 1972 throwback uniforms during Saturday’s Homecoming game against Nebraska, which kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on FOX.
Led by legendary coach John McKay, the 1972 Trojans were one of the greatest teams in college football history, beating opponents by an average of four touchdowns on their way to a victory in the Rose Bowl and a consensus national title.
That was also the first season that USC sported the trojan head logo on the sides of its cardinal helmets, as well as a modified Northwestern striping pattern on the sleeves of its cardinal home and white road jerseys.
This design was worn until the 2002 season, when then-head coach Pete Carroll reintroduced the crescent-shaped shoulder design the Trojans initially wore from 1958-71 and still wear to this day.
This will mark the first time that USC has deviated from its standard home or road uniforms since the Trojans wore a metallic version of their cardinal helmets with chrome facemasks for select games during the 2014-15 seasons.
They also added gold flakes to their standard gray facemasks in 2012, but – aside from that small detail – they have consistently worn Saturday’s throwback uniform or their current design for more than 65 years.
The Trojans wore these uniforms, which are complete with their standard gold pants with two cardinal stripes down the sides, under legendary coach John Robinson (1976-82, 1993-97), who passed away on Monday at the age of 89.
He also served as USC’s offensive coordinator from 1972-74, so it’s somewhat fitting the program will wear the throwback uniforms this weekend against the Cornhuskers.
Photos courtesy of @uscfb on X/Twitter.