In their third year under head coach John McKay, the Trojans compiled an 11–0 record (4–0 against conference opponents), won the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU or Big 6) championship, and defeated Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
USC outscored their opponents 261 to 92, and finished first in both major polls, released prior to the bowls.
Hal Bedsole was USC's leading receiver with 33 catches for 827 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Two USC players were selected by the Associated Press (AP) for the All-Coast team; end Bedsole and linebacker Damon Bame.
[3] Bedsole was a consensus All-American in 1962,[4] while Bame received first-team honors from the AP.