In June 2010, the USC football program was dealt a crucial blow with the NCAA’s most devastating sanctions short of a death penalty.
The Trojans were docked 30 scholarships over three years and prohibited from participating in the postseason for two seasons, as a result of what the NCAA deemed a ‘lack of institutional control’ stemming from improper benefits received by 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, basketball star O.J. Mayo and others.
Despite the shortened seasons and low numbers brought on by the sanctions, USC still found a way to thrive. They won the Pac-12 South under Lane Kiffin in 2011, ranked No.