Men of Troy: The Epic Afternoons, Wild Nights, and Enduring Legacy of Pete Carroll’s USC Trojans

by Monte Burke

Genres: Sports, Football, Biography

448 pages, Hardcover

Published January 13, 2026

Reviews

[David Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's plenty to like in this book about a historic era in college football. I had forgotten both that USC was basically in the Top 5 for six or so years in a row, but also that they lost a number of easily winnable games that would have brought more national titles. I hadn't known about the cocaine use during the glory days. Burke makes an excellent point connecting the Bush case, which led to USC's demise for more than a decade, to the eventual collapse of the Pac-12. And vacating wins as part of USC's punishment -- while Miami had worse transgressions and a lighter sentence -- was truly pointless.

[John Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read an advance preview. Loved the insight it gave behind some of the traditions and into the assistant coaches behind the scenes. Would recommend to any college football fan to see behind this important team and era in college football.

[C.M. Stenquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Football, Coaching, USC, Pete Carroll book. If you like football, you will like this book.

[Doe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book.

I found it very informative, lots to learn about football and what goes on behind the scenes.