In their fourth season under head coach Howard Jones, the Trojans compiled a 9–0–1 record (4–0–1 against PCC opponents), outscored opponents by a total of 267 to 59, and won the PCC championship.

[2] In addition to Dickinson, USC was recognized as the 1928 national champion by the Sagarin Ratings.

Georgia Tech has been recognized as the national champion by the majority of later selectors.

[3] Three USC players received honors on the 1928 All-America college football team: tackle Jesse Hibbs (first-team selection by Central Press Association and Newspaper Enterprise Association), center Nate Barragar (second-team selection by the Associated Press); and quarterback Don Williams (second-team selection by the North American Newspaper Alliance).

[4] Four USC players received first-team honors on the 1928 All-Pacific Coast football team: quarterback Don Williams (NEA-1, UP-1); fullback Lloyd Thomas (AP-1, NEA-1, UP-1); end Lawrence McCaslin (NEA-1); and center Nate Barragar (AP-1).