The USC Trojans enter the 2026 season navigating a roster defined by both elite freshman potential and significant veteran departures. While certain defensive units appear fortified, several key skill positions face intense competition and uncertainty.
Jahkeem Stewart and the Gary Patterson defensive front
The defensive line is expected to be a primary strength for the Trojans under defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. according to the report, Jahkeem Stewart is poised for a massive season after playing through a foot injury during his breakout 2025 campaign. The unit is bolstered by productive edge players like Kameryn Crawford, who recorded 5.5 sacks, and Braylan Shelby, who tallied 4.5.
The interior of the line also features significant depth. Jide Abasiri, who recorded 3.5 sacks, will work alongside Michigan State transfer Alex VanSumeren. VanSumeren brings stability to the group after logging 52 combined tackles during his time with the Spartans. This veteran presence is crucial as the Trojans attempt to build a dominant defensive identity under Patterson's leadership.
The wide receiver vaacuum following the loss of Lemon and Lane
The Trojans' passing attack faces a period of reconstruction following the deprture of star receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane. Tanook Hines is expected to step into a more prominent role, building on a 2025 season where he secured 561 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The success of the offense will likely depend on how quickly the supporting cast can integrate into Lincoln Riley's system.
To fill the void left by the departing stars, USC is looking toward a mix of transfers and newcomers. The roster includes NC State transfer Terrell Anderson, alongside true freshmen Trent Mosley, Ethan Feaster, and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. The ability of these players to provide consistent production will be a deciding factor in the Trojans' offensive efficiency.
Replacing Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald in the secondary
The safety position has become a critical area of concern for the USC Trojans due to the NFL departures of Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald. As the report notes,the team must rely on the experience of senior Christian Pierce and former Notre Dame transfer Kennedy Urlacher to stabilize the defense.
Urlacher, who started three games during his sophomore season in 2025, provides a bridge for the unit. However, the depth behind the starters remains thin, potentially forcing the coaching staff to lean on freshmen Madden Riordan and Peyton Dyer earlier than anticipated to maintain a reliable rotation.
Mark Bowman and the tight end competition
One of the most promising storylines for the 2026 season is the emergence of five-star recruit Mark Bowman at tight end. Despite being a freshman, Bowman is expected to have an immediate impact on the Trojans' offensive production. He represents a high-ceiling talent that could provide Lincoln Riley with a versatile weapon in the passing game.
He will not be alone in the room, as the team has added depth through the transfer portal. Tucker Ashcraft, formerly of Wisconsin, and JUCO standout Josiah Jefferson are both expected to compete for significant playing time, providing a veteran layer to a position group that could define the team's tactical versatility.
Who will anchor the linebacker and cornerback rotations?
While the defensive line and tight end groups show clarity, several other units remain in flux. It is still unverified how the linebacker corps will coalesce with the addition of Washington transfer Deven Bryant alongside Desman Stephens II, who recorded 89 tackles in 2025. Additionally, the exact rotation for the cornerbacks has yet to be determined, leaving questions about how transfers Carrington Pierce and Jontez Williams will fit alongside returning players like Marcelles Williams and Alex Graham.
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