What Is 1990 USC Trojans football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1990 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 1990 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 8–4 record and a victory over Texas in the Sun Bowl. They were coached by Larry Smith, who resigned after the season.

Key Facts

The 1990 USC Trojans finished the season with an 8–4 overall record
They were led by head coach Larry Smith, who stepped down after the season
The team played in the Sun Bowl on December 31, 1990, defeating Texas 35–14
Quarterback Todd Marinovich was a standout player, finishing 4th in Heisman Trophy voting
USC finished ranked #17 in the final AP Poll

Overview

The 1990 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 1990 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the Pacific-10 Conference, the team was led by head coach Larry Smith, who was in his final year at the helm before resigning to take a position with the NFL's St. Louis Rams.

Despite a turbulent season marked by offensive inconsistencies and defensive struggles, the Trojans managed to secure a winning record and a bowl berth. Their season concluded on a high note with a decisive victory in the Sun Bowl, showcasing the team’s resilience and potential.

Record: The team finished with an overall record of 8–4, including a 5–3 mark in Pac-10 conference play.
Head Coach:Larry Smith coached his final season with USC, compiling a 44–36 record over seven years before departing for the NFL.
Bowl Game: The Trojans defeated the Texas Longhorns 35–14 in the Sun Bowl on December 31, 1990, in El Paso, Texas.
Quarterback:Todd Marinovich started all 12 games, throwing for 2,083 yards and 14 touchdowns despite media scrutiny and personal challenges.
Final Ranking: USC finished the season ranked #17 in the final Associated Press (AP) Poll, reflecting their strong finish.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1990 season featured a mix of high-scoring games and defensive lapses, with the Trojans showing flashes of brilliance under pressure. Key moments defined their campaign, from controversial losses to dominant bowl performances.

Season Opener: USC opened the season with a 35–31 win over Kansas State, showcasing an explosive offense led by Marinovich.
Notre Dame Rivalry: The Trojans lost 31–34 to Notre Dame in a close, nationally televised game, marking their second consecutive loss in the rivalry.
UCLA Showdown: In the regular-season finale, USC defeated UCLA 31–3, securing bowl eligibility and reclaiming the Victory Bell.
Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 23.8 points per game, among the highest averages in the Pac-10, raising concerns about consistency.
Heisman Contender: Todd Marinovich finished 4th in Heisman Trophy voting, the highest finish for a USC player that year.
Recruiting Legacy: The 1990 class included future NFL players, contributing to USC’s long-term program strength despite short-term coaching changes.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1990 USC Trojans to recent seasons highlights both achievements and missed opportunities:

Season	Record	Head Coach	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
1990	8–4	Larry Smith	W, 35–14 vs. Texas (Sun Bowl)	#17
1989	8–4	Larry Smith	L, 17–13 vs. Texas (Cotton Bowl)	#15
1988	5–6	Larry Smith	No bowl	Unranked
1987	9–3	Larry Smith	W, 20–17 vs. Penn State (Sun Bowl)	#12
1986	6–5	Larry Smith	W, 45–28 vs. LSU (Freedom Bowl)	Unranked

The 1990 season mirrored 1989 in record and outcome, but the Sun Bowl victory over Texas marked a significant improvement in postseason performance. While not a national title contender, the team demonstrated competitive balance and developed key talent for future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 1990 USC Trojans season holds historical significance due to its transitional nature and the spotlight on Todd Marinovich, one of college football’s most polarizing figures. It also marked the end of an era with Larry Smith’s departure.

Coaching Transition: Larry Smith’s exit opened the door for Gene Horton to become interim coach, setting the stage for Paul Hackett’s eventual hiring.
Player Legacy: Todd Marinovich’s performance solidified his status as a top prospect, though his NFL career was derailed by off-field issues.
Bowl Significance: The Sun Bowl win was USC’s first bowl victory since 1987, restoring some pride after recent postseason disappointments.
Recruiting Impact: The visibility from Marinovich’s Heisman campaign helped attract future talent to the program.
Media Attention: The team received national coverage due to Marinovich’s “Robo QB” nickname and controversial upbringing.
Program Stability: Despite a coaching change, USC maintained its reputation as a competitive Pac-10 program throughout the early 1990s.

The 1990 season, while not legendary, played a pivotal role in shaping USC’s football trajectory in the 1990s, blending on-field results with off-field narratives that captured national attention.