Beyond Elijah Paige, USC’s offensive line for Las Vegas Bowl is razor-thin
The vital left tackle confirmed his commitment to the Trojans on Thursday, but the group around him is severely light on experience heading into the bowl game and beyond
USC LT Elijah Paige (72) is one of the few certainties about how the Trojans will look on the OL for the Las Vegas Bowl against A&M later this month. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Luca Evans (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — At Elijah Paige’s lowest point, Jonah Monheim was there, just as he had always been.
The shaggy-haired veteran sat with him, when Paige first got to USC as a freshman, poring over hours of film and pointing to techniques that could work for him at tackle. Monheim was there, too, when Paige was demoted to the Trojans’ scout team last season, imploring it was good for you. And Monheim was there, USC’s starting center this season and the offensive line’s ringleader, when Paige was mauled in Ann Arbor.
Paige was cramping. He was starting just his fourth game as USC’s left tackle, against a fearsome Michigan defensive line. He gave up four pressures in 31 snaps. But he has always responded, as coaches have detailed, when a mirror has been put to his 6-foot-7 frame. And Monheim, for years, has been both both mentor and mirror.
“He told me that this is normal, and I just need to grow from it,” Paige said Thursday, reflecting on conversations with Monheim after USC’s Week 3 loss to the Wolverines. “And kinda, there’s two ways I can go from it. I can get discouraged and go down from it, or I can get encouraged by it and rise to the occasion.”
Weeks later, amid USC’s end-of-season roster shuffle, redshirt freshman Paige has suddenly become the new long-haired sage for a depleted offensive line. Starting center Monheim and left guard Emmanuel Pregnon are “still making their decisions,” as Paige put it, on whether to play in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 27, but both are likely to forgo starting spots to prepare for the NFL draft. There is hardly any veteran leadership behind them: starting right tackle Mason Murphy has entered the transfer portal, and so has senior backup Gino Quinones, and so have young pieces Amos Talalele and Kalolo Ta’aga.
Paige, truly, is who remains. And on Thursday, he strode in front of reporters to speak for USC’s offensive line – so often Monheim’s role this fall – and planted his flag in future Coliseum soil.
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“I just think it’s important,” Paige said, when asked why he had seemingly chosen to stay at USC rather than hit the portal. “I committed here, not for any of those other, outside reasons.”
“I committed here because I see Coach (Lincoln) Riley’s vision, and I believe in it. I trust it. I’m a part of it.”
He’ll now become the figurehead of USC’s line, as Monheim once was.
The question, both for USC’s immediate future in Las Vegas and long-term future in the Big Ten: who, exactly, will slot in next to him?
Sophomore Alani Noa, by all indications, will remain at right guard against Texas A&M. Beyond that, the depth on USC’s front is remarkably thin. None of the Trojans’ other offensive linemen has started a game of college football. None of them have played as much as 100 snaps of college football.
Backup Kilian O’Connor, a former walk-on from Santa Margarita High, figures to start at center. Redshirt freshman Tobias Raymond, who struggled when inserted amid an offensive line shakeup at Michigan, will likely get a crack at right tackle; freshman Justin Tauanuu, a Huntington Beach High product who Paige said has gotten better “every single week,” could slide inside at guard to take Pregnon’s spot. Redshirt freshman Micah Banuelos, Loyola High product Jack Susnjar and freshman Kaylon Miller (Calabasas High) could all earn looks, as well.
“Each and every one of ’em, they’ve stood out … obviously, the past week, we’ve been throwing those guys in there,” quarterback Jayden Maiava said of USC’s young linemen Thursday. “They’ve been doing a really good job.”
USC, beyond a doubt, will need to add significant help via the transfer portal, even after signing two four-star tackles (Utah’s Aaron Dunn and Georgia’s Alex Payne) in the class of 2025.
But the Las Vegas Bowl will serve as a true litmus test of USC’s offensive line trajectory under coach Josh Henson, preferring in the past year to eschew transfer portal fixes in favor of youth development.
“We’ve just gotten better,” head coach Lincoln Riley said in late November, of USC’s gradual offensive line improvement. “We’ve stuck with it. The leadership from Coach Henson, from Jonah, from Emmanuel, seeing some of these young guys grow up and get better and kind of take some of these challenges and really rise up to them, I think it’s a combination of all that.”
QUICK HITS
Riley confirmed Thursday that quarterback Jake Jensen will serve as USC’s backup to Maiava in the Las Vegas Bowl, despite Jensen having entered the transfer portal. … Defensive graduate assistant Bryson Allen-Williams has been named USC’s linebackers coach against Texas A&M in the wake of Matt Entz’s departure for Fresno State. … Riley said USC is “moving along pretty heavily” in the search for a new LBs coach.
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Per On3: Report: Mike Norvell to contribute $4.5 million of salary to Florida State in restructured contract. LSU got a million back from Brian Kelly. Perhaps Riley can afford a million to help out, but then we don’t know if he already has or not.
The nations top cfb head coaches all have “it”. They are larger than life, extroverts, demanding, often jack asses, but most of all demand performance from their players and themselves. Always seek an edge to win or recruiting. I just see LR as a ducker. Not present, closed ( including practices), aloof from every player except the QB, avoids public speaking and appearances like the plague.
Poor Lincoln Riley’s been such a monumental bust at USC that he’s now risen all the way up to #5 on the latest Coaches Hotseat List (even with his huge buyout).
As you illustrate, he has so many perceived deficiencies as the USC coach now that nobody knows where to start as he struggles to record even a simple winning season after getting pushed around by the B1G.
Wazzu’s starting QB is entering the Portal and appears has some good numbers to back up
his ability. The last Wazzu QB to come out was Cam Ward. But we never heard anything that Riley was interested in him. Ward turned out to be pretty good.
He jumped to the #1 QB in the portal. 247 doesn’t have a scouting report on him yet. Is he mobile? He won’t be good with our HC if not. Getting him might make up for losing MM.
You can’t help but think Lincoln Riley has USC football so underachieving from the attitudes of USC recruits you read almost every week someone is decommiting. You can’t compare the numbers to any other Big Ten or SEC program. I may be off here but it sure appears so as often you see it in Bleacher/ESPN and other websites.
Not sure if the situation is worse at USC than at a lot of other schools. It is ALL about the money in my point of view. These kids are simply turning into mercenaries, going to the highest bidder. After the playoffs lets see how many go portal with 5 days of their last game. Look at poor Marshall, lost so many they can’t field a team. What I want to know is why isn’t the best defensive staff in college football not bringing in a ton of defensive players to fill the holes. So far, not much. Is it… Read more »
Looks like Louisville has a balanced offense that should be good for MM. Cards were 8-4, tied for 4th in ACC, with no blow out losses, to ND, Miami, SMU and Stanford. The ACC is wide open should be fun to watch him next season. Their RB was named ACC freshman of the year and freshman AA. Watch him, Moss, be on the Heisman list.
Yeah isn’t that a wonder? Seems a certain HC locally doesn’t see that discipline. But why should a HC who in reality is learning on the job making a boatload of money be so observant outside of his own cave?
I hear ya GT, let me ask you this. With all the defenses lining up in anticipation of USC throwing the ball, they knew they could stop the run with the front 4, which they often did. What do you do then? Don’t take this a defending Riley, simply looking at what ALL is wrong. Would a stronger O line have cured that?
Miller Moss wants to play football for someone, preferably someone who can utilize his talents. L’ville fits. Moss is to smart to go to the highest bidder, he knows he has a great future ahead of him after football. Hope that he gets into the Heisman conversation.
I still think that the portal shouldn’t open until after the bowl season but it seems to be a bargaining chip for some players. Like Baby Alexander, they pout themselves into the portal to see if they can get better playing time (without earning it).
When this is the case, USC should let them go (no return for unwanted merchandise) Entering the portal should be a letter of resignation moment. The team might lose a few good players this way, but the leverage would remain in the team’s corner.
Army/Navy game. 125 years. This is one game that makes me proud to be an American. Seeing all these young people who our nation can depend on gives us hope in the future.
I was thinking about that game earlier this week. My dad was a Navy corpsman in WWII, but also Army reserve as a radioman during the Korean thing . So he’d root for Navy, but was ready to say he knew Army would win.
Another thought, neither team has to worry about the portal, but NIL?
Not trying to pry so if you feel this Is more than you want to share please ignore this post. What was she doing there…..just living, in the service as a nurse, etc. How did she get back to the states and when Is she still around what was her experience on that day…..was she near the military area did she see the actual attack age at the time any other recollections would be appreciated……even how other folks reacted. I’am a WW2 amateur historian and way back in the day spoke to a guy that was on the Arizona……he was… Read more »
Her father, Ray, my grandfather, was in the NAVY, where he was stationed with my grandmother and my mom’s younger sister. My grandparents are buried together overlooking the Pacific at the beautiful Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary in San Diego. My mom never really spoke of the attack much which would have occurred when she was around 10 years old. She did say that people were very panicked and initially confused by all the weapon noise and incredible explosions and smoke — and that the NAVY actually installed anti-aircraft weapons in her backyard. She also mentioned something vague about people running… Read more »
Greene has three years of eligibility to play for Mark Stoops and the Wildcats.
Barkley Truax (on3.com) — Greene appeared in all 12 games this season for USC after taking a redshirt in 2023 as a freshman. He totaled 15 tackles, including three TFL and a sack. Greene turned in one of his biggest games against Rutgers. That night, he had three tackles, two for loss, and a sack to lead USC to the victory.
Marshall opts out of Independence Bowl vs. Army due to a lack of players Coach Charles Huff is now at Southern Miss and over 25 Marshall players have entered the transfer portal. Nick Bromberg (Yahoo Sports) — Marshall won the Sun Belt title game a week ago to finish the season at 10-3. But it was the last game at the school for coach Charles Huff. He’s now the coach at Southern Miss after he was in the last year of a four-year deal with the Thundering Herd. Huff’s departure led to many players transferring from the program. Players have the… Read more »
The Athletic’s College football transfer portal QB rankings: Darian Mensah (flipped to DUKE from TUL), Jackson Arnold (flipped to AUB from OU) lead top 30 #8 Miller Moss — Moss was perfectly fine as USC’s starter in 2024; he just wasn’t what Lincoln Riley essentially requires his quarterbacks to be: Superman. Moss will be good for a program that doesn’t ask the quarterback to carry the load. Moss doesn’t have the strongest arm and he’s not super mobile, but he can keep an offense on schedule. He isn’t reckless with the ball but did commit some crucial turnovers during untimely… Read more »
Congrats Again To Our Fantastic Punter Eddie Czaplicki, USC’s First Time Ever Winner of the Coveted Ray Guy Award I actually remember watching Ray Guy punt when he was at SO MISS (’70-72) and later with the Raiders for 14 years.
Eddie was a total pleasure to watch this season, a complete field position artist with the punt game. SC doesn’t always have exceptional punters. Most schools don’t.
But Eddie really had a huge effect on this Trojan team and deserves so much credit for the special teams advantage he consistently gave USC. Fight On Eddie Czaplicki!
The Importance of Bowl Practices R.J. Abeytia (WeAreSC) — “[Bowl practice reps] are super valuable,” veteran safety Akili Arnold said. “Being an older guy, you start to take off a little bit of reps during bowl prep. Then you see the young guys get their feet underneath them again, because usually they haven’t gotten many reps during the season, but now they’re the people running with the ones. So they got to get right, and it’s fun to see them go and finally have confidence again in themselves.” Fellow transfer safety Bryson Shaw seconded the notion. This is a time… Read more »
CU WR/CB Travis Hunter, BOISE ST RB Ashton Jeanty, ORE QB Dillon Gabriel and MIA QB Cam Ward are the four Heisman finalists who will attend the award ceremony in New York City on Saturday night.
These are the fifth through 10th place finishers —
USC Football Transfer Portal Departure (16) Live Tracker: LB Raesjon Davis The Portal opened on Dec. 9 and closes on Dec. 28. 1 QB Miller Moss (Mission Hills Bishop Alemany) 2 OL Amos Talalele (Santa Clara) 3 OL Gino Quinones (Honolulu St Louis) 4 PK Denis Lynch (non-scholarship, Newberry Park) 5 QB Jake Jensen (San Pablo Pleasant Grove, CA) 6 WR Kyron Hudson (Santa Ana Mater Dei) 7 DE Sam Greene (Balt St Francis, MD) 8 TE Kade Eldridge (Lynden Christian, WA) 9 PK Garth White (non-scholarship, Westlake Oaks Christian) 10 DL Bear Alexander (IMG Academy) 11 OL Mason Murphy (SJC JSerra) 12 RB Quinten Joyner (Manor, TX) 13 WR Duce Robinson (Phoenix… Read more »
That’s very discouraging. Many of these were Fresman recruits, some even local, many will be strong performers for next season. How does one follow a team when it changes so drastically every year? It was fun following local players in HS, then seeing the excell at SC. You felt a real part of the continuity of the team. Today it’s just about money. How sad and uninteresting!
Things are stable on defense. I think the D guys leaving were asked to. If we had a real HC, OC and OL coach things would get more stable on offense. Who knows when that might happen.
USC’s first-ever Ray Guy winner in the 25-year history of the award. I love it and have always thought punting, both good and bad, was a severely underrated part of the game.
Since Lincoln Riley has no idea how to actually build a program and doesn’t recruit that well out of the high school ranks, LR should fit right in. 😂
Now if in year four he can just start finally winning some games and figure out how to bring in Portal talent that’s honestly better than the talent he’s losing.
RJ Sermons a legacy commit. There appears to be a trend in the 2026 class toward USC although there is a lot of time left before the flipping starts again. Perhaps the Trojans will be bankrolled enough for the 2026 class to stay together for the most part. Miller Moss to Louisville possibly. Thanks for the time you were here as a Trojan.
Nation’s No. 1 Ranked 2026 CB RJ Sermons Commits to USC Scott Schrader (WeAreSC) — Sermons (6-0, 180, Rancho Cucamonga) shared his thoughts on USC defensive backs coach Doug Belk. Belk also gained a commitment from UCF DB transfer Chasen Johnson on Thursday night. We’ve also submitted a USC prediction for San Jose State DB transfer DJ Harvey who’s visiting today. “Coach (Doug) Belk, I really like him,” said Sermons. “He has a great track record of previous defensive backs and just previous greatness. And he’s a great person. Him and my dad (Rodney Sermons) kind of go back a little bit. He’s just cool.… Read more »
Carson Palmer on The Herd talking about his move to head coach at Santa Margarita, his prep stomping grounds. Palmer’s son, Fletch, is currently a freshman QB on the team: “I’m right back in it. This is the mecca of football in this country, the Trinity League. It’s an incredible opportunity for me. It’s where it all started for me. It’s where my football journey began. My faith journey began. “So it’s a really special opportunity to come back home to my alma mater and be a part of this program again and have an impact on these young men’s… Read more »
Great news and congrats to Carson. Great story of a local star makes good and returns to share his time & knowledge. If Riley is smart, he can use this opportunity to reintroduce himself to top local athletes starting with Santa Marguerita. The only problem is, no one has yet said Riley is smart.
If Riley won’t go to the Trinity League, the Trinity League coaches can go to him or his staff. I know it’s backwards, but isn’t that how LR opperates?
A thin Cardinal and Gold line? I’m sure it needs to be said, Josh Henson is the Alex Grinch of 2024. His underwhelming performance is a major part of the current problem for USC football. The Trojan offensive line has not improved since the Kiffin era, and it has become significantly weaker under Riley/ Henson. The offensive line basically has one job; win a shoving match so the quarterback can do his job. (No not throwing an interception which costs us the game) Conditioning, technique and mindset are all lagging in front of our ball carriers. Unfortunately Riley thinks Henson… Read more »
Rialto, with the state of the O-line room, it can’t get any worse (unless Paige leaves making the O-line completely bare of returnees) and the Portal is the only hope for USC to field a competitive offensive front for next season, This demise is just as much fault of the brat in failure to recruit effectively. Being the HC with a huge contract, few will ever take the full blame for such a mess. It’s Hensen’s turn to be the scapegoat even if he was doing a good enough job. But look at who he had to work with in… Read more »
I keep thinking how USC used to be a “destination” program rather than an transitory stop for athletes knowing where to get the development and be showcased to the pro scouts. To the big uglies, the linemen, this still matters today even with NIL manipulating a young man’s thinking. But NIL money will never reach a NFL contract and a player’s dream being in the Pros. Riley and his Air Raid offense lacks to fully develop linemen in opening holes for rushers, which still is the major part of Pro offenses. It’s all about keeping the QB on his feet… Read more »
Is it considered a private matter who is asked to leave the program and who elects to leave for the Portal? If not, who was told they are no longer wanted?
Tomorrow, Concord De La Salle (12-0) takes on Santa Ana Mater Dei (12-0) at Saddleback College. 5 players in the game, who are in the top 30 in California recruits, have signed LOI, all are leaving the state.
And I remember when we wqere a lock to get the top MD players! My, have times changed.
LR aside, the NIL and Free Agency changes to college football have changed the game and loyalty to universities don’t matter – unless they offer the top NIL $$$$! IMHO.
If TJ Simmers was still around, he would ask questions these young pup reporters today are too intimidated to ask at Riley press conferences. Like, do you know how many local high school athletes helped McKay & Carroll win National Championships at USC…. And during those years, how many natties did Georgia win with their local athletes?
Per On3: Report: Mike Norvell to contribute $4.5 million of salary to Florida State in restructured contract. LSU got a million back from Brian Kelly. Perhaps Riley can afford a million to help out, but then we don’t know if he already has or not.
The nations top cfb head coaches all have “it”. They are larger than life, extroverts, demanding, often jack asses, but most of all demand performance from their players and themselves. Always seek an edge to win or recruiting. I just see LR as a ducker. Not present, closed ( including practices), aloof from every player except the QB, avoids public speaking and appearances like the plague.
Poor Lincoln Riley’s been such a monumental bust at USC that he’s now risen all the way up to #5 on the latest Coaches Hotseat List (even with his huge buyout).
As you illustrate, he has so many perceived deficiencies as the USC coach now that nobody knows where to start as he struggles to record even a simple winning season after getting pushed around by the B1G.
Wazzu’s starting QB is entering the Portal and appears has some good numbers to back up
his ability. The last Wazzu QB to come out was Cam Ward. But we never heard anything that Riley was interested in him. Ward turned out to be pretty good.
He jumped to the #1 QB in the portal. 247 doesn’t have a scouting report on him yet. Is he mobile? He won’t be good with our HC if not. Getting him might make up for losing MM.
Looks like an SEC school is offering him $1.5 million NIL. He won’t come cheap.
You can’t help but think Lincoln Riley has USC football so underachieving from the attitudes of USC recruits you read almost every week someone is decommiting. You can’t compare the numbers to any other Big Ten or SEC program. I may be off here but it sure appears so as often you see it in Bleacher/ESPN and other websites.
Not sure if the situation is worse at USC than at a lot of other schools. It is ALL about the money in my point of view. These kids are simply turning into mercenaries, going to the highest bidder. After the playoffs lets see how many go portal with 5 days of their last game. Look at poor Marshall, lost so many they can’t field a team. What I want to know is why isn’t the best defensive staff in college football not bringing in a ton of defensive players to fill the holes. So far, not much. Is it… Read more »
Miller Moss is headed to Louisville
I can hear him now “I always wanted to play in Louisville growing up I knew I’d be a Cardinal (and no gold)”
I wonder how MM will do? Not sure about that. Wish him the best.
Looks like Louisville has a balanced offense that should be good for MM. Cards were 8-4, tied for 4th in ACC, with no blow out losses, to ND, Miami, SMU and Stanford. The ACC is wide open should be fun to watch him next season. Their RB was named ACC freshman of the year and freshman AA. Watch him, Moss, be on the Heisman list.
Heisman for MM … not sure about that needs to figure out what team to throw it too and toughen up and pull the ball to win games i.e. at Wash
It’s amazing how the pass game opens up when you run the ball at least 50%, instead of 75% (i.e. Wash). A new HC will do wonders for MM.
Yeah isn’t that a wonder? Seems a certain HC locally doesn’t see that discipline. But why should a HC who in reality is learning on the job making a boatload of money be so observant outside of his own cave?
I hear ya GT, let me ask you this. With all the defenses lining up in anticipation of USC throwing the ball, they knew they could stop the run with the front 4, which they often did. What do you do then? Don’t take this a defending Riley, simply looking at what ALL is wrong. Would a stronger O line have cured that?
Miller Moss wants to play football for someone, preferably someone who can utilize his talents. L’ville fits. Moss is to smart to go to the highest bidder, he knows he has a great future ahead of him after football. Hope that he gets into the Heisman conversation.
I still think that the portal shouldn’t open until after the bowl season but it seems to be a bargaining chip for some players. Like Baby Alexander, they pout themselves into the portal to see if they can get better playing time (without earning it).
When this is the case, USC should let them go (no return for unwanted merchandise) Entering the portal should be a letter of resignation moment. The team might lose a few good players this way, but the leverage would remain in the team’s corner.
Welcome DJ Harvey, CB, now comitted to USC. Belk is tearing it up!!
Grab that tall kid from Zona
Army/Navy game. 125 years. This is one game that makes me proud to be an American. Seeing all these young people who our nation can depend on gives us hope in the future.
I was thinking about that game earlier this week. My dad was a Navy corpsman in WWII, but also Army reserve as a radioman during the Korean thing . So he’d root for Navy, but was ready to say he knew Army would win.
Another thought, neither team has to worry about the portal, but NIL?
I’m from a NAVY family (WWI, WWII, Korea). The Midshipmen are running away with today’s game now (28-13 with six minutes to go and threatening again).
Me too. Grandfather Navy in WW1 and Father Navy Korean War.
My mom was in Pearl Harbor when it was bombed.
Wow.
I had a patient who saw it also as a kid. Apparently every one couldn’t figure out it was the real thing until things started exploding.
Not trying to pry so if you feel this Is more than you want to share please ignore this post. What was she doing there…..just living, in the service as a nurse, etc. How did she get back to the states and when Is she still around what was her experience on that day…..was she near the military area did she see the actual attack age at the time any other recollections would be appreciated……even how other folks reacted. I’am a WW2 amateur historian and way back in the day spoke to a guy that was on the Arizona……he was… Read more »
Her father, Ray, my grandfather, was in the NAVY, where he was stationed with my grandmother and my mom’s younger sister. My grandparents are buried together overlooking the Pacific at the beautiful Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary in San Diego. My mom never really spoke of the attack much which would have occurred when she was around 10 years old. She did say that people were very panicked and initially confused by all the weapon noise and incredible explosions and smoke — and that the NAVY actually installed anti-aircraft weapons in her backyard. She also mentioned something vague about people running… Read more »
Thanks! Where was grandpa assigned……a ship or land duty…..enlisted or officer?
Was that PH movie with Ben Affleck and those nurse babes based on your mom?
Best documentary ever on WWII……..’Victory at Sea’…..the music is unreal and the narrator is the best I’ve ever heard
USC EDGE transfer Sam Greene commits to Kentucky
Greene has three years of eligibility to play for Mark Stoops and the Wildcats.
Barkley Truax (on3.com) — Greene appeared in all 12 games this season for USC after taking a redshirt in 2023 as a freshman. He totaled 15 tackles, including three TFL and a sack. Greene turned in one of his biggest games against Rutgers. That night, he had three tackles, two for loss, and a sack to lead USC to the victory.
on3.com
He probably just wanted a name on his jersey
Marshall opts out of Independence Bowl vs. Army due to a lack of players Coach Charles Huff is now at Southern Miss and over 25 Marshall players have entered the transfer portal. Nick Bromberg (Yahoo Sports) — Marshall won the Sun Belt title game a week ago to finish the season at 10-3. But it was the last game at the school for coach Charles Huff. He’s now the coach at Southern Miss after he was in the last year of a four-year deal with the Thundering Herd. Huff’s departure led to many players transferring from the program. Players have the… Read more »
Toughness, Teamwork, Physical Dominance
Which one of the top three is USC’s weakest link?
Physical dominance.
The Athletic’s College football transfer portal QB rankings: Darian Mensah (flipped to DUKE from TUL), Jackson Arnold (flipped to AUB from OU) lead top 30 #8 Miller Moss — Moss was perfectly fine as USC’s starter in 2024; he just wasn’t what Lincoln Riley essentially requires his quarterbacks to be: Superman. Moss will be good for a program that doesn’t ask the quarterback to carry the load. Moss doesn’t have the strongest arm and he’s not super mobile, but he can keep an offense on schedule. He isn’t reckless with the ball but did commit some crucial turnovers during untimely… Read more »
Congrats Again To Our Fantastic Punter Eddie Czaplicki, USC’s First Time Ever Winner of the Coveted Ray Guy Award
I actually remember watching Ray Guy punt when he was at SO MISS (’70-72) and later with the Raiders for 14 years.
Eddie was a total pleasure to watch this season, a complete field position artist with the punt game. SC doesn’t always have exceptional punters. Most schools don’t.
But Eddie really had a huge effect on this Trojan team and deserves so much credit for the special teams advantage he consistently gave USC. Fight On Eddie Czaplicki!
Love those Spot-Bilt football cleats. Old School, baby!
I remember watching my Vikings block Guy’s punt in SB XI, his first ever block I think. It all went downhill for my Vikes from there.
The Importance of Bowl Practices R.J. Abeytia (WeAreSC) — “[Bowl practice reps] are super valuable,” veteran safety Akili Arnold said. “Being an older guy, you start to take off a little bit of reps during bowl prep. Then you see the young guys get their feet underneath them again, because usually they haven’t gotten many reps during the season, but now they’re the people running with the ones. So they got to get right, and it’s fun to see them go and finally have confidence again in themselves.” Fellow transfer safety Bryson Shaw seconded the notion. This is a time… Read more »
CU WR/CB Travis Hunter, BOISE ST RB Ashton Jeanty, ORE QB Dillon Gabriel and MIA QB Cam Ward are the four Heisman finalists who will attend the award ceremony in New York City on Saturday night.
These are the fifth through 10th place finishers —
5th place: RB Cam Skattebo, ASU
6th place: QB Bryson Daily, ARMY
7th place: TE Tyler Warren, PSU
8th place: QB Shedeur Sanders, CU
9th place: QB Kurtis Rourke, IU
10th place: QB Kyle McCord, SYRA
yahoo.com
USC Football Transfer Portal Departure (16) Live Tracker: LB Raesjon Davis The Portal opened on Dec. 9 and closes on Dec. 28. 1 QB Miller Moss (Mission Hills Bishop Alemany) 2 OL Amos Talalele (Santa Clara) 3 OL Gino Quinones (Honolulu St Louis) 4 PK Denis Lynch (non-scholarship, Newberry Park) 5 QB Jake Jensen (San Pablo Pleasant Grove, CA) 6 WR Kyron Hudson (Santa Ana Mater Dei) 7 DE Sam Greene (Balt St Francis, MD) 8 TE Kade Eldridge (Lynden Christian, WA) 9 PK Garth White (non-scholarship, Westlake Oaks Christian) 10 DL Bear Alexander (IMG Academy) 11 OL Mason Murphy (SJC JSerra) 12 RB Quinten Joyner (Manor, TX) 13 WR Duce Robinson (Phoenix… Read more »
Husan Longstreets brother transferred from TAMU to USC. Another CB.
That’s very discouraging. Many of these were Fresman recruits, some even local, many will be strong performers for next season. How does one follow a team when it changes so drastically every year? It was fun following local players in HS, then seeing the excell at SC. You felt a real part of the continuity of the team. Today it’s just about money. How sad and uninteresting!
Things are stable on defense. I think the D guys leaving were asked to. If we had a real HC, OC and OL coach things would get more stable on offense. Who knows when that might happen.
You know you’re in big trouble when you’re using words like “stable” to describe your fave team. 😥
Stable in terms of transfers out. 10 on offense is not good. 2 on special teams, 4 on defense is good, as in easily replaced.
Ya, I knew what you meant. My point stands. Go Stability! Heavily using the transfer portal every year to fix your team is so stable.
And when the Ray Guy Award is your team’s big claim to fame.
USC’s first-ever Ray Guy winner in the 25-year history of the award. I love it and have always thought punting, both good and bad, was a severely underrated part of the game.
I have read where there are coaches who now consider college football a yearly thing instead of building a program. With so many players going to the portal coaches are simply looking to see what they can build for the upcoming season. Sure not the way it used to be. If they can recruit players out of high school, then they have to work to keep them happy and entertained. If not, they leave. Here is a good link:https://footballscoop.com/news/coastal-carolinas-tim-beck-shares-the-days-of-building-a-program-are-dead-replaced-by-simply-building-a-team
Since Lincoln Riley has no idea how to actually build a program and doesn’t recruit that well out of the high school ranks, LR should fit right in. 😂
Now if in year four he can just start finally winning some games and figure out how to bring in Portal talent that’s honestly better than the talent he’s losing.
Didn’t the key DBs leave, two key LBers, and some on the Dline?
They are graduating, I think?
Some graduating some leaving. All this is absurd – college football has been severely damaged.
RJ Sermons a legacy commit. There appears to be a trend in the 2026 class toward USC although there is a lot of time left before the flipping starts again. Perhaps the Trojans will be bankrolled enough for the 2026 class to stay together for the most part.
Miller Moss to Louisville possibly. Thanks for the time you were here as a Trojan.
Like you said…..2026 is a long ways away. But he’s a local kid so we have a good chance to hang onto him
Nation’s No. 1 Ranked 2026 CB RJ Sermons Commits to USC Scott Schrader (WeAreSC) — Sermons (6-0, 180, Rancho Cucamonga) shared his thoughts on USC defensive backs coach Doug Belk. Belk also gained a commitment from UCF DB transfer Chasen Johnson on Thursday night. We’ve also submitted a USC prediction for San Jose State DB transfer DJ Harvey who’s visiting today. “Coach (Doug) Belk, I really like him,” said Sermons. “He has a great track record of previous defensive backs and just previous greatness. And he’s a great person. Him and my dad (Rodney Sermons) kind of go back a little bit. He’s just cool.… Read more »
Kliff Kingsbury, former USC offensive analyst in 2023 and now the OC of the Washington Commanders, on Bill Belichick’s decision to coach at UNC:
“I went back to college for a year last year (at USC). It’s not fun. It’s not a good place to be.
“I will not believe Belichick is coaching in college until I actually see him coach a college game.”
KK looks like czar Nicholas … the last one
Carson Palmer on The Herd talking about his move to head coach at Santa Margarita, his prep stomping grounds. Palmer’s son, Fletch, is currently a freshman QB on the team: “I’m right back in it. This is the mecca of football in this country, the Trinity League. It’s an incredible opportunity for me. It’s where it all started for me. It’s where my football journey began. My faith journey began. “So it’s a really special opportunity to come back home to my alma mater and be a part of this program again and have an impact on these young men’s… Read more »
Great news and congrats to Carson. Great story of a local star makes good and returns to share his time & knowledge. If Riley is smart, he can use this opportunity to reintroduce himself to top local athletes starting with Santa Marguerita. The only problem is, no one has yet said Riley is smart.
If Riley won’t go to the Trinity League, the Trinity League coaches can go to him or his staff. I know it’s backwards, but isn’t that how LR opperates?
A thin Cardinal and Gold line? I’m sure it needs to be said, Josh Henson is the Alex Grinch of 2024. His underwhelming performance is a major part of the current problem for USC football. The Trojan offensive line has not improved since the Kiffin era, and it has become significantly weaker under Riley/ Henson. The offensive line basically has one job; win a shoving match so the quarterback can do his job. (No not throwing an interception which costs us the game) Conditioning, technique and mindset are all lagging in front of our ball carriers. Unfortunately Riley thinks Henson… Read more »
Rialto, with the state of the O-line room, it can’t get any worse (unless Paige leaves making the O-line completely bare of returnees) and the Portal is the only hope for USC to field a competitive offensive front for next season, This demise is just as much fault of the brat in failure to recruit effectively. Being the HC with a huge contract, few will ever take the full blame for such a mess. It’s Hensen’s turn to be the scapegoat even if he was doing a good enough job. But look at who he had to work with in… Read more »
Add to that, they don’t have a real OC. Riley thinks he can do it all and doesn’t realize he can’t.
I keep thinking how USC used to be a “destination” program rather than an transitory stop for athletes knowing where to get the development and be showcased to the pro scouts. To the big uglies, the linemen, this still matters today even with NIL manipulating a young man’s thinking. But NIL money will never reach a NFL contract and a player’s dream being in the Pros. Riley and his Air Raid offense lacks to fully develop linemen in opening holes for rushers, which still is the major part of Pro offenses. It’s all about keeping the QB on his feet… Read more »
Is it considered a private matter who is asked to leave the program and who elects to leave for the Portal? If not, who was told they are no longer wanted?
Tomorrow, Concord De La Salle (12-0) takes on Santa Ana Mater Dei (12-0) at Saddleback College. 5 players in the game, who are in the top 30 in California recruits, have signed LOI, all are leaving the state.
And I remember when we wqere a lock to get the top MD players! My, have times changed.
LR aside, the NIL and Free Agency changes to college football have changed the game and loyalty to universities don’t matter – unless they offer the top NIL $$$$! IMHO.
If TJ Simmers was still around, he would ask questions these young pup reporters today are too intimidated to ask at Riley press conferences. Like, do you know how many local high school athletes helped McKay & Carroll win National Championships at USC…. And during those years, how many natties did Georgia win with their local athletes?
Simmers was a bitter jack ass and a horse shit reporter and writer
And not just MD. USC got 2 out of the California top 30, Cal got #29 and UCLA got #30. If you are good you have to plan on leaving California.
I can’t remember, but when was USC good at recruiting CA. Was it during the PC era?