Haley Sawyer (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — Defensive coordinator Gary Patterson has had a saying about USC’s freshman class since they arrived in spring.
“By this time of the year, freshmen will be freshmen no more,” defensive lineman Floyd Boucard recalled. “I could feel the freshmen took that into consideration. If one of them has to step up as an older dude, I’m still going to listen. We don’t have no ego.”
Freshmen on the defensive side of the ball are being held to the same standard as every other player, and it seems that defensive tackle Luke Wafle is already overachieving.
He was used heavily in USC’s run defense in Saturday’s season opener against San José State. He was on the field for 41.1% of the Trojans’ defensive plays, including 58.3% of third and fourth downs, according to stats from Hudl IQ.
As a whole, the Trojans’ defense limited the Spartans to 102 rushing yards and just six rushing first downs in a 42-26 win. Pro Football Focus gave him an 80.3 grade in run defense, which was the third-highest mark on the team.
Head coach Lincoln Riley sees an upside for him in the pass rush, too.
“The thing I like about Luke is he’s an every-down style of player,” Riley said.
“But the thing I liked the most about him on Saturday is he didn’t hesitate. He went in there and played aggressive. He was around the ball. He was around the quarterback. He made some plays for us, and he was really close to making a bunch of others.”
USC’s run defense was one of its weaker links last season, ranking 12th in the Big Ten Conference and giving up 143.23 rushing yards per game.
Wafle was brought in from Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey, as part of a solution. He was the top-ranked Class of 2026 edge and the seventh-ranked player overall in the nation, and the intrigue about him only heightened with rumors that he hasn’t had a soda in six years (for you Todd Marinovich fans).
Defensive end Braylan Shelby – who ranked second in sacks last season – and stud defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart did not play against San José State. Stewart is dealing with a foot injury, and in characteristic form, Riley did not disclose the reason for Shelby’s absence.
Even if Wafle’s usage rate drops when those players return, he’s still going to be a key to building depth that can get USC through a challenging Big Ten season.
“For a true freshman in his first start, he was really good,” Riley said, “and I think he’s going to be a high-impact player for us not only this year, but for the years to come.”
Trojans on NFL rosters and the USC Texans
NFL teams have released their initial 53-man rosters and multiple USC players from last season have made the cut.
Receiver Makai Lemon, the 20th overall draft pick, is on the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster and Ja’Kobi Lane, another receiver, made the cut for the Baltimore Ravens.
Safety Kamari Ramsey qualified for the Houston Texans’ roster and is one of five former Trojans on the team, along with running back Woody Marks, cornerback Jaylin Smith, safety Calen Bullock and defensive end Solomon Byrd.
“I’m super happy for (Ramsey),” redshirt senior safety Prophet Brown said. “He had a great preseason interception. I love that guy. We talk all the time. Super happy for him and for the USC Texans.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed two USC products to their practice squad: safety Bishop Fitzgerald and tight end Lake McRee. Fitzgerald, a first-team All-American, originally signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent after the draft.
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Wright received $20,000 from the Eagles; Harris received $190 from the Saints; however they did NOT make the 53-man NFL rosters. They were not yet true NFL players, but they violated NCAA rules…throw them out.
Let’s be grateful that we don’t have a chicken *hit coach like Brent Key of Georgia Tech. He played it safe by forcing Colorado to use up all of their time outs, while giving Colorado 1:40. The Buffalos accepted the gift.
Great observation.They were deep in Colorado territorial, up 13-10. One more first down and the game is over, victory formation. Then at the very end, they got to the 33, and he ran the clock down and settled on a 45 yard field goal, and you saw what happen.He got way too conservative both times
GT coach didn’t coach to win, he coached to ” not lose”. It didn’t end well.
Wild 4th qtr Colorado and Georgia Tech. The Ramblin Wreck gets wrecked.
Here’s how the NFL players voted on the best QBs in the NFL. Looking good USC!
Good to see Darnold with respect among his peers. Such a good kid having to overcome a rocky start with a perennially terrible team. Caleb will continue to climb this board.
Lane Kiffin Wins! Louisiana Judge Rules Against NCAA, Clearing Path for Ex-NFL Players to Join LSU Roster Brett Martel (AP) — BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s chances of fielding former NFL players improved Thursday night when a Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA in a high-profile eligibility case. East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden issued his ruling the night before LSU was due to submit its 105-man roster to the Southeastern Conference, which last week announced heavy potential punishment for football and basketball teams that bring in ex-pros. The ruling clears… Read more »
SEC has already filed their appeal in federal court. This judge in Louisiana better have his ducks in order.
I don’t know how much judges care if they get reversed anymore, as long as they’ve made their constituents, or the home crowd happy.
Yep…..Sounds like a homer.
no, the 2 players in question did not play in the NFL…they attended a NFL training camp for almost a month.
Did anyone actually think a Baton Rouge judge would rule any other way? (Rhetorical)
Man Rutgers is getting smashed by UMass. They look really bad.
Good!
RUT is truly pitiful.
USC will get no credit whatsoever for beating these Pop Warner rejects who got drilled big-time by 16-straight game loser UMASS in New Jersey. Schiano has to be on his way out.
Hilariously, RUT paid UMASS $1.55 mil to kick their butts.
Too bad USC has to play RUT the week before ORE. We’ll probably get a big head.
Mark Sanchez’s plea deal is on the way. Good for him. No reason to get demolished in an ugly, basically defenseless trial with brutal elderly male victim injuries and risk automatic extended jail time (1-6 years in Indiana).
Proposed Sentencing Dates: Both sides requested that the court schedule the combined guilty plea and sentencing hearing for either Nov 9 or Nov 16.
Unspecified Charges: The initial court filings regarding the agreement do not explicitly outline which specific charges Sanchez is pleading guilty to, and a judge still needs to officially accept the plea.
From TMZ news: Mark Sanchez has agreed to plead guilty in connection to the stabbing incident that took place in Indianapolis last year … TMZ has learned. According to court documents … the former New York Jets star came to an agreement with prosecutors just 5 days before his criminal trial was set to begin — asking the judge to set aside the trial start date and “set this matter for a guilty plea and sentencing hearing.” Sanchez’s legal advisor, Nick Sanchez Jr., said, “This is a positive development. We are finalizing an agreement with the prosecutor’s office that provides… Read more »
New Depth Chart
After the worst performance on defense, Ruben is #3. If Boucard and Riordan are the 2nd best at those positions, we’re in trouble. Any word on status for Shelby and Stewart?
Stewart is back on the depth chart behind Jide. Shelby is listed behind Crawford.
Safety Madden Riordan was a big disappointment last weekend. He was out of position on one touchdown and lost on the 2 point conversion. I hope a trained eye caught that and corrected it
I must be well-trained! Even I noticed that.
USC rumors: Big Ten rival floated as Lincoln Riley replacement if Trojans flop Bryan Logan (ClutchPoints) — USC started the season with a win over San Jose State. It was not an impressive game for the Trojans, as Lincoln Riley and the team have high expectations for 2026. If the Trojans do not live up to those expectations, Lincoln Riley could be on the hot seat. If Lincoln Riley is let go at the end of the year, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic thinks a current rival Big Ten coach could be heading to USC, with Jedd Fisch leaving… Read more »
i would want assurances bringing in a HC replacing a number of former Trojan HC’s not making it to a championship. Fisch hasn’t won anything yet. I would choose PC (even if he needs a Caine) or Urban Meyer. I want a proven winner! Saban & Stoops won’t come out here.
I completely disagree., Fisch is a great coach. Urban Meyer is radioactive, and Pete Carroll is not coming back( he is in his late 70’s. ) It’s a little early to be discussion Riley’s replacement, but we could do a lot worse than the current coach of the Huskies. And UDUB with give us all we can handle(and maybe more) when they come to the coliseum,.
Wouldn’t you be getting a little tight if you were Lincoln Riley? Now, stories are out about his possible replacements. I really hadn’t noticed any before. I mean, he’s always been on the “hot seat” since 2023. But before today, I hadn’t seen any articles actually naming new USC coach candidates. As soon as LR loses a game, and depending on how bad it is, the social and regular media are gonna hop right on this trail. You’re right, it’s a little early for this discussion. But suddenly a very well-known CFB writer like Bruce Feldman is talking about it.… Read more »
Feldman is a well respected writer, and knows what he is talking about. What if, God forbid, USC ;loses tomorrow night? Does the word ” Tarmac” come to mind?
No doubt. If USC loses with this team to FRESNO ST, the replacement hunt is on. LR would never live it down. I’m glad we have Jen Cohen. I think she’d do the right thing and has the hard-won ability to pull it off, because it would be very complicated and expensive. I love how Cohen handled the Notre Dame issue. We got what we wanted and managed to put ND in its place, whether they refuse to admit it or not. This year’s schedule was already way too tough to have ND added to it anyway. Now that would… Read more »
Would we be at the pitchfork and torches stage yet?
Cohen might prefer Kalen DeBoer but he won’t be available if he keeps Alabama in the playoffs. Fisch doesn’t excite me. Lets see what the Huskies look like Oct. 3. And lets see what Riley can do. I wouldn’t write him off just yet.
If he beats USC this year…….this article could be very telling.
Congrats to the revamped Pac-12! Glad to see this. New Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould, who has been in charge since Feb, 2024, deserves a lot of credit. She’s done an amazing job turning around what was such a dire Pac-12 situation. John Marshall (AP) — Pac-12 football returns 4 years after exodus nearly sent the conference to extinction. The Pac-12, the self-dubbed “Conference of Champions” with athletic excellence going back more than a century, turned into the conference of ashes. A mass exodus of 10 schools in 15 months left the Pac-12 in tatters, dimming the future of a conference… Read more »
If Luke Wafle starts piling up sacks, can we call him Luke Sackwalker?
USCFootball.com — Top Defensive Grades from USC vs. SJS Every snap of every game, Pro Football Focus grades each individual player whether they are involved in the action or not. A grade of 85 or higher is an NFL-caliber rating, while a grade between 80 to 84 is considered “very good.” Below average grades range from 50-60. Each player begins with a 60 grade and then their grade goes up or down from there. No. 1 DE Luke Wafle — Grade: 82.9 The freshman played 23 snaps in his collegiate debut and recorded two tackles, including a half-tackle for a… Read more »
“Every snap of every game, Pro Football Focus grades each individual player whether they are involved in the action or not.”
22 players on the field each play, SJS/USC had 156 plays counting special teams, for 3,432 grades. And that is just one game! How do they do that?
Will the bottom 3 get on the field tomorrow night? Hope not.
I can somehow see it with the advent of AI. But before? I’m with you.
Hopefully, USC beats FRESNO ST convincingly and plays strong from start to finish, with an emphasis on the finish part for a change.
Did USC have anyone grade out at 85 or higher?
I think they said Crawford was at 89 and there were a couple of others between 85 and 89. Wafle was at around 85. I’m not sure of that. FSU’s O-Line is big but are they that good?
If they were, would they not be playing in a p4 program? There is always an exception here and there but frankly I don’t see how USC does not clean them up relatively comfortably. No blowout….but comfortable control.
Thanks for the response…..sounds like we had some guys that are making a move. Mosley is going to be a difference maker.
Yes indeedy, Mosley looked awesome. And while we all intellectually plan out his fantastic Trojan future, a bygone name suddenly popped into my mind. Remember Zach Branch and his amazing first game as a Trojan? Branch earned first-team AA honors as an electric returner and playmaker for USC during his standout 2023 frosh season. Then … his performance and playing time mysteriously dropped off and he suddenly transferred to GA ahead of the 2025 season alongside his brother, S Zion Branch. During Branch’s single season in Athens, he set new career highs and earned Second Team All-SEC recognition before being… Read more »
Let’s not forget Terrell Anderson, Hines and Boobie Feaster
How are they gonna get in the game? USC is so loaded at WR, that’s actually a problem, especially now that we know Mosley is superhuman.
They’ll get in the game but next year, I’ll guarantee you that many of these receivers will transfer out but they have 2 really good ones coming in next year(if they can hold them). Romero Ison is a really good receiver. He’ll transfer out.
Convert a couple to d-backs? Ha, only partially kidding. Hopefully we’ll see improvement this week back there.
Yes. Trent Mosley, with an overall PFF Grade of 90.7.
Mosley played 40 snaps. He earned an elite 89.2 receiving grade after catching 7 of 9 targets for 118 yds and a TD. He also logged a very strong 74.0 run-blocking grade.
Jayden Maiava pulled in a very strong 84.4 overall offensive grade.
Top Ten Trojans offense1) WR Trent Mosley 90.3 (40) 2) QB Jayden Maiava 88.1 (58) 3) OL Justin Tauanuu 84.0 (58) 4) TE Carson Tabaracci 80.8 (13) 5) RB Shahn Alston 79.2 (13) 6) RB Deshonne Redeaux 77.3 (8) T-7) WR Corey Simms 74.8 (24) T-7) OL Elijah Paige 74.8 (54) 9) RB King Miller 72.7 (26) 10) RB Waymond Jordan 71.6 (29) Quarterbacks Jayden Maiava: 88.1 (58) Jonas Williams: 62.0 (19) defense Top Ten Trojans1) LB Desman Stephens 84.9 (23) 2) DE Luke Wafle 79.6 (23) 3) DT Alex VanSumeren 77.9 (23) 4) DE Simote Katoanga 76.5 (18) 5)… Read more »
At least USC didn’t find itself here
Like I said before….their O-Line is big but are they that good?
That’s certainly the biggest question about tomorrow night’s game. Everyone seems to think they’re gonna come downhill right at us.
They may be big but if they were fast and strong they wouldn’t be at Fresno. A one dimension run offense only works on smaller weaker defenses. Won’t work against most Power 4 teams.
I got the impression from listening to some podcast that they were big but not necessarily experienced. Our O-Line is experienced.
SEC roster deadlines loom as programs consider adding former NFL players, class of 2022 recruits On3/Rivals (On3 Newsletter) — While all eyes are on LSU this week, the bigger story is spreading across the rest of the SEC. Multiple programs are exploring the possibility of adding former NFL players and 2022 recruits to their rosters before the 2026 season kicks off, Pete Nakos reports. The timeline is tight. SEC rosters must be finalized and submitted to the league office 24 hours before kickoff, and only athletes currently enrolled at a university can be added after that roster is sent… Read more »
The USC attendance situation brings to mind some questions. Should USC have ever issued a statement, or was this just “food for the trolls,” who would always be looking for a time or reason to criticize USC, football or otherwise. Playing at noon (too early) in massive, beat-down heat, in big city L.A. (so much else to always do), in Week 0 (only a few teams even playing) against a poor, lowly-regarded late, substitute opponent (instead of ND) was always gonna be a recipe for lots and lots of empty seats. I don’t think the school’s statement was particularly strong.… Read more »
Probably, although silence would have drawn its own critical narrative.
Although not completely deceptive, the photo that has made the rounds the most is that one of the corner tunnel section, which is generally sparsely occupied early in the season. The upside of those seats is being able to see the players going in and out. The downside is even a bit more distance from the field than other sections.
That said, the photos of the sideline center sections tell the story, and it wasn’t pretty.
I agree with you, nothing should have been said. By responding it makes SC look like they are worrid or worse that they were embarassed. Also: USC Fall Semester had not started as of yet, the students were just given the okay to move in earlier that week.
By the time Oregon, Washington and Ohio St pull into town the small opening day crowd will have been forgotten. I think tomorrow we will have 50,000 through the turnstyles and part that will hopefully include more students at tomorrow’s game.
First full week of school, Friday night, oh yeah, it doesn’t get any better than that for a game atmosphere! Bring it, student body!
Meanwhile, it’s reported that there have been over 900 credentials issued for the LSU-Clemson game. Lane sure knows how to drum up interest, that’s for sure. He might be one of the greatest walking marketeers college football has ever seen.
I am super curious how the controversy affects the outcome of the game. Dabo hates Lane and everything he represents, so does he does he rally his troops beat the ‘devil’ or does Lane and the team come out and show the football world not to mess with LSU. Currently, the odds have not changed as a result of these external factors with oddsmakers saying LSU -10.5 will mostly likely win with a 65% chance.
Ahhhh…I don’t know, Lane does have a certain magnetism
about him but, I think Spurrier was a bit more dynamic in mannerism than Lane and even more successful.
Probably wouldn’t have been a story except USC was the only top 25 team that played. Nothing much to talk about nationwide. The TV ratings haven’t come out but I bet the game got big viewers. As John pointed out, few students on campus didn’t help. Just a perfect storm of bad timing for that game. Oh well moving on, Beat The Bulldogs!
Jayden Maiava awarded National Player of the Week award by Associated Press AP — The fifth-year senior completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in the Trojans’ win over San Jose State last week. “I think there’s a lot of room for me to stay patient as well as a quarterback,” Maiava said Tuesday about his play in the game, “and just continue making the right winning-decision plays and getting the ball in the playmaker’s hands.” Maiava, tied at No. 2 with Matt Leinart for USC career leader in yards per attempt… Read more »
Here’s the Beef Chris Trevino (WeAreSC) — The Trojans defensive line faced what could only be described as light work with San Jose State’s offensive line. The Spartans will surely be the lightest OL it faces all season with an average of 280 pounds. St. John Bosco might average more. Don’t worry, USC football gets a much beefier test this weekend with Fresno State’s offensive line, comparable to a Big Ten line in terms of size. Fresno State’s starters average 320 pounds and 6-foot-5 across the board. The Spartans averaged 6-foot-3. San Jose State’s size or lack thereof at offensive… Read more »