Fall Tune-Up: USC’s Offseason Highs and Lows
USC enters 2026 with one of the nation’s most explosive offenses and high expectations under coach Lincoln Riley. The Trojans boast returning stars on offense, led by Heisman contender Jayden Maiava at quarterback, and newcomer Keenyi Pepe, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2026 class. The offensive line looks rock-solid with veterans like Elijah Paige, Tobias Raymond, Alani Noa, Justin Tauanuu and Killian O’Connor all back in the fray. In contrast, USC’s linebacker corps took a hit, losing four starters to the transfer portal—Matai Tagoa’i, AJ Tuitele, Anthony Beavers Jr. and Popo Aguirre. Though Washington transfer Deven Bryant adds experience, the group remains inexperienced and falls to the lowest rung on the depth chart. Key returners Desman Stephens II and Jadyn Walker must step up to fill leadership voids as the Trojans gear up for their opener against San Jose State.
It turns out Trojan football is a lot like Hollywood: the offensive line gets blockbuster reviews, while the linebackers languish waiting for callbacks. You can practically hear Riley shouting “cut!” on all those transfers exiting stage left. Meanwhile, the O-line is hosting paparazzi in their padded mansions—protecting quarterbacks, stealing sacks and signing autographs in the weight room. As for the linebackers, they’ve been cast as extras in the USC drama, desperately auditioning for more snaps. Desman Stephens II and Jadyn Walker are the franchise players tasked with salvaging the flop that is the linebacker room. Grab your popcorn; this sequel might need some rewriting.
Versatile and Ripped: Abasiri’s Defensive Line Reinvention
In his third season at USC, defensive lineman Jide Abasiri has slimmed down 15 pounds and embraced a new role on the edge of the Trojans’ defensive front. The former Minnesota recruit has grown into a vocal leader and one of USC’s strongest players, earning reps both inside and out. After arriving as a late riser in the 2024 class, Abasiri steadily ascended from rotational freshman to nine-game starter in his sophomore year. At Big Ten Media Days, head coach Lincoln Riley praised his “steady” work ethic and touted his versatility as a blueprint for developing talent. Abasiri’s blend of size, strength and agility is expected to bolster USC’s run defense and deepen an already talented defensive line rotation.
Jide Abasiri’s offseason transformation is the closest thing USC has to a superhero origin story—minus radioactive spiders or mutant serums. He’s now the gym’s kingpin, bench-pressing mothers and twisting steel beams into pretzels. Coach Gary Patterson must be drafting action figures as we speak: “Jide Flexi-Bolt” with interchangeable arms for interior and edge snaps. On game day he’ll either sack the quarterback or politely escort running backs into next week. If recruiting needs a boost, just send out his before-and-after snaps—nothing sells defensive line depth like six-pack abs.
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