Tag: Trojans

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) runs the ball against Utah State Aggies linebacker Jon Ross Maye (1) during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Branch brothers to transfer from USC to Georgia

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Southern California standout wide receiver Zachariah Branch and safety Zion Branch are transferring to Georgia, the brothers announced on Sunday.

Also a star punt and kick returner, Zachariah Branch was USC’s second-leading receiver in 2024, gaining 503 yards and scoring just one touchdown on 47 receptions. He has 78 catches for 823 yards and four total touchdowns (three receiving, one rushing) over two college campaigns.

He was an All-American in 2023 and won the Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers Award as the country’s top return specialist. He led NCAA FBS in punt return average (20.8 yards) in 2023, also pacing the Pac-12 with 332 punt return yards. He averaged 5.7 yards on 13 returns in 2024.

Zachariah Branch has one career TD on a punt return and one on a kickoff return.

“I chose Georgia because I felt like the culture was something special,” he told ESPN. “They have a great coaching staff, the brotherhood within the program, their will to win, being prepared for the next level and being as successful as possible on and off the field was important to me.”

Listed at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, he is the No. 4 player and No. 2 wide receiver in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings.

Zion Branch, who like his younger brother has two years of eligibility remaining, is the No. 269 overall player and No. 16 safety in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings.

He finished the season with 19 tackles, one sack and three pass breakups in 12 games. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he has 41 career tackles in 21 games. He ended the 2022 and 2023 seasons early due to injuries.

“I chose the University of Georgia because of its great coaching staff, their pedigree and the history of the program,” Zion Branch told ESPN. “Georgia has consistently been one of the best programs in college football, and the culture of excellence they’ve built is something I want to be a part of. The coaches are not just about winning games; they’re about building character, fostering growth and pushing players to be their absolute best both on and off the field.”

The brothers, who are Las Vegas natives, join former USC assistant Donte Williams, a defensive backs coach at Georgia since December 2023.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

USC’s Branch Bros. enter transfer portal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Southern California stars Zachariah and Zion Branch will enter the transfer portal, they said Tuesday.

Zachariah Branch, a receiver, and Zion Branch, a safety, published announcements declaring their intent on social media. Both players are former top-100 high school recruits with two years of eligibility remaining.

Zachariah Branch was USC’s second-leading receiver in 2024, gaining 503 yards and scoring just one touchdown on 47 receptions. He has 78 catches for 823 yards and four total touchdowns (three receiving, one rushing) over two college campaigns.

“I am thankful for the love and support from my coaches, teammates, advisors, football staff and professors,” he wrote in part. “Being able to share the field with my brother has also been a blessing and something that I know is a rare privilege.”

Zion Branch finished the season with 19 tackles, one sack and three pass breakups.

“Playing football at USC has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Having the opportunity to be a USC Trojan and suit up alongside my brother made it even more special, and it’s something I’ll always cherish,” he wrote in part.

Both players said they are looking forward to new opportunities ahead.

USC went a disappointing 6-6 this past season, including a 4-5 mark in its first Big Ten campaign. The Trojans will face Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 27.

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) carries the ball against Southern California Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (34) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

No. 5 Notre Dame beats USC, eyes playoff bye

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Despite surrendering a season high in points, No. 5-ranked Notre Dame’s defense came through in the clutch with pick-sixes of 99 and 100 yards, and the Fighting Irish closed the regular season with their 10th consecutive win in a 49-35 defeat of host USC on Saturday in Los Angeles.

Notre Dame (11-1) pulled ahead by two touchdowns late in the third quarter when Riley Leonard connected with Mitchell Evans for a 23-yard score. It was the second of Leonard’s two touchdown passes on a 17-of-23, 155-yard day, and his third score overall after a 2-yard end-zone rush earlier in the third quarter broke a 21-21 tie.

Leonard’s scoring strike to Evans also gave the Fighting Irish the first two-possession lead of the game, but it did not last long. USC (6-6) capitalized on favorable field position when Jayden Maiava threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Kobi Lane to finish a 45-yard Trojans drive and make it 35-28 with 8:43 to play in the fourth quarter.

USC regained possession less than three minutes later after forcing a Notre Dame punt, and Maiava completed passes of 16, two and 22 yards before Quinten Joyner rushed 23 yards to position the Trojans at the Irish 21-yard line.

Maiava targeted Kyron Hudson on a pass near the pylon, but Christian Gray snagged the underthrown ball and returned it 99 yards down the sideline for a score to put the game away.

Notre Dame snuffed out any hope of a last-ditch USC comeback effort when, on the next Trojans possession, Xavier Watts intercepted Maiava and went 100 yards to make it 49-28 with 1:18 to play.

With the win, the Fighting Irish likely sewed up a berth in the College Football Playoff. Coupled with Ohio State’s loss earlier in the day, Notre Dame is in position to move into one of four first-round byes.

Jadarian Price led Notre Dame’s 258-yard rushing attack with 111 yards on 12 carries. Jeremiyah Love ran for 99 yards on 13 carries, and Leonard carried for 50 yards on 12 attempts. All three scored a touchdown.

Evans led the Irish with five receptions for 59 yards, and Eli Raridon caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Leonard in the second quarter.

Maiava went 27-for-49 for 360 yards with three touchdown passes, all of which went to Lane. Maiava also rushed for a pair of touchdowns.

Makai Lemon caught nine passes for 133 yards and Joyner rushed for 83 yards on 10 carries in the loss.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (2) tries to run past USC Trojans cornerback Jacobe Covington (14) and safety Anthony Beavers Jr. (15) during the first quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

USC wins defensive battle, ends UCLA’s bowl hopes

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Jayden Maiava’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Kobi Lane midway through the fourth quarter proved the game-winning score for Southern California, which escaped a defensive tussle with rival and host UCLA 19-13 on Saturday in Pasadena, Calif.

USC (6-5, 4-5 Big Ten) went the game’s first 53:05 without scoring a touchdown against a stout UCLA defensive effort. Each of the Trojans’ three scores in the first half came on Michael Lantz field goals of 19, 23 and 22 yards.

USC’s touchdown came at an opportune time. After the Trojans’ first three possessions of the second half produced 17 total yards, they got a boost when a punt by UCLA’s Brody Richter went only 25 yards to set USC up at the Bruins’ 49-yard line.

On the second play of the possession, the Trojans ignited their stagnant offense with some trickery. Makai Lemon took a lateral pass from Maiava then found a streaking Kyron Hudson down the sideline for 39 yards to the UCLA 4.

That led to Maiava’s throw to Lane, who made a spectacular, toe-drag reception to stay in-bounds under pressure.

Mason Cobb came up big for USC on the defensive end, holding quarterback Ethan Garbers to no gain on a fourth-and-1 sneak attempt.

Another field goal by Lantz, this one covering 30 yards, gave USC a six-point cushion that forced UCLA to try to move the ball 75 yards in just over two minues.

The Bruins (4-7, 3-6) had four straight pass attempts go incomplete, ending UCLA’s bowl-game aspirations in the process.

Maiava finished with 221 yards on 19-of-35 passing in his second start for USC. Hudson caught six passes for 79 yards, and Woody Marks rushed for 76 yards on 18 carries.

Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Braylan Shelby and Nate Clifton all produced sacks to punctuate the Trojans’ stout defensive effort. The 13 points USC surrendered on Saturday were the Trojans’ fewest in a conference game since a 56-10 blowout of former Pac-12 counterpart Stanford last September.

Garbers went 20-of-29 passing for 265 yards and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Moliki Matavao in the third quarter to give UCLA a 10-9 lead. The Bruins’ other points came on field goals of 51 and 29 yards by Mateen Bhaghani.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) reacts after throwing a touchdown during the first half against the Southern California Trojans at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Maryland scores late to hand USC another close loss in Big Ten

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Billy Edwards Jr. went 39-of-50 passing for 373 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for the game-winning score in the final minute as Maryland edged Southern California 29-28 on Saturday in College Park, Md.

Maryland (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten) took possession for its decisive drive when Donnell Brown sprang up to block Michael Lantz’s 41-yard field-goal attempt, which would have put USC ahead by two possessions with under two minutes remaining.

A wild sequence on the return, including a Quashon Fuller lateral to Ruben Hyppolite, set the Terrapins offense up at midfield.

Edwards made savvy plays under pressure, including a shovel pass while under duress and then his successful 3-yard scramble to the end zone with 57 seconds left in regulation. Edwards fooled the USC defense with a zone-read hand-off fake to running back Roman Hemby. Jack Howes’ extra-point was good for 29-28.

The Trojans (3-4, 1-4) could not muster a scoring drive in the remaining seconds in suffering their fourth one-possession loss in league play.

Hemby scored a 10-yard touchdown earlier in the fourth quarter as Maryland cut a two-touchdown deficit down to 28-22. Edwards then converted a two-point try with his pass to Kaden Prather with 9:56 left in regulation.

USC moved the ball into Maryland territory on all four of its fourth-quarter possessions but only scored on the first when Miller Moss threw the third of his three touchdown passes. This one was a 26-yarder to Duce Robinson, with Moss’ other scoring passes going 15 yards to Ja’Kobi Lane and 22 yards to Kyron Hudson.

Moss finished the game 34 of 50 for 336 yards, but his one interception was pivotal. Lavain Scruggs picked off Moss midway through the third quarter with USC ahead 21-7 and driving to go ahead by three scores.

Scruggs’ ensuing 51-yard return led to Edwards’ 18-yard touchdown pass to Tai Felton on the very next snap, injecting life into the Terps for their strong finish. Felton matched Prather with a team-high nine receptions and had 84 yards. Prather totaled 111 yards.

Makai Lemon led USC with eight receptions for 89 yards. Woody Marks rushed for 82 yards on 17 carries in the loss.

Maryland’s comeback marked the fourth time, all in Big Ten games, that USC lost on a score in either the final minutes of regulation or in overtime.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Beau Pribula (9) breaks up a pass for USC Trojans wide receiver Kyron Hudson (10) in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

No. 4 Penn State rallies to top USC in OT

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Ryan Barker’s 36-yard field goal in overtime completed No. 4 Penn State’s come-from-behind 33-30 win over Southern California on Saturday in Los Angeles.

Penn State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) never led after falling behind 7-3 until Barker capped the first extra session with the last of his four field goals. The Nittany Lions had to battle back from a two-touchdown halftime deficit, doing so thanks in part to a prolific connection between quarterback Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren.

Warren was on the receiving end of 17 of Allar’s 30 completions, hauling in a 32-yard touchdown catch just after the break to ignite Penn State’s rally. Warren’s 224 receiving yards are the second most by any Penn State player, only trailing Jahan Dotson’s 242 against Maryland in 2021.

Allar went 30-for-43 passing for 391 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which was a 14-yard strike to Nicholas Singleton that tied the game at 30 with 2:53 left in regulation. Allar was also picked off three times.

The Trojans (3-3, 1-3) crossed into Penn State territory just after the two-minute warning. But while letting the clock tick down as it tried to get into field-goal range, USC saw its end-game strategy backfire.

Jaylen Reed intercepted Trojans quarterback Miller Moss’ deep pass attempt to keep the contest tied and force overtime. In the extra period, the Penn State defense caused a pair of incompletions and Dani Dennis-Sutton tackled Woody Marks for a loss of 3 yards, making USC kicker Michael Lantz’s field-goal attempt 45 yards.

Lantz missed, opening the door for Penn State to win.

Moss completed 20 of 34 passes for 220 yards and a pair of scores — to Kyron Hudson and Quinten Joyner. Joyner powered USC to its early lead with a monster first half that featured a 75-yard rushing touchdown and a 9-yard TD reception.

Marks rushed for 111 yards on 20 carries in the loss.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

No. 13 USC outscores Wisconsin 28-0 in second half to claim first Big Ten victory

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Miller Moss threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth as No. 13 Southern California stormed back from a 21-10 halftime deficit to record its first-ever Big Ten Conference win with a 38-21 decision over visiting Wisconsin on Saturday in Los Angeles.

USC (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten) trailed by two scores at intermission for the second time in as many weeks. Unlike its conference-opening loss at Michigan last Saturday, the Trojans successfully completed their second-half rally in the program’s first home Big Ten game.

Moss ignited the comeback in the third quarter with a six-yard touchdown strike to Ja’Kobi Lane, the second scoring connection between the quarterback and receiver on the afternoon. They also hooked up less than three minutes into the game on a 32-yard pass play.

The Trojans took the lead later in the third when Moss hit Duce Robinson for an eight-yard score. Moss tacked on another score from seven yards out on a 4th-and-1 play to give USC a two-score lead.

A dominant second half for the USC defense culminated when linebacker Mason Cobb put an exclamation point on the Trojans victory, returning an interception of Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke’s pass 55 yards for a touchdown.

Locke was 13-of-26 for 180 yards with a touchdown and the interception in his first start. He was replacing Tyler Van Dyke, who sustained a torn ACL in Wisconsin’s Sept. 14 loss to Alabama.

Locke’s touchdown was a 63-yard play to Vinny Anthony II early in the first quarter. The Badgers (2-2, 0-1) added two more touchdowns in the first half on a pair of Tawee Walker carries, the first on an 18-yard carry after Wisconsin recovered a muffed punt deep in USC territory.

Walker scored again from four yards out to give the Badgers their two-score lead. Wisconsin had an opportunity to push the advantage to three scores before halftime when Austin Brown killed a Trojans drive with a sack of Moss, forcing a fumble.

The Badgers moved into USC territory with a little more than a minute to go before the break, but could not capitalize.

Walker finished with 55 yards rushing to lead Wisconsin. Woody Marks carried for 63 for USC.

Lane hauled in 10 receptions for 105 yards. Moss went 30-of-45 for 308 yards.

–Field Level Media

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans former running back Reggie Bush attends the game against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Reggie Bush sues USC, Pac-12, NCAA over use of NIL

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Reggie Bush is suing the University of Southern California, the Pac-12 Conference and the NCAA for compensation for the use of his name, image and likeness while he was a college athlete.

“This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush,” Evan Selik, one of the attorneys representing Bush, said in a statement Monday. “It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated and treated fairly for their contributions.”

The filing claims that USC, the conference and the NCAA financially benefited from Bush’s “significant popularity” and “prominence” during and after his time with the Trojans’ football program, with whom he won the 2004 BCS national championship and the 2005 Heisman Trophy.

Bush notably forfeited his Heisman in 2010 amid reports that the Heisman Trust would revoke it after USC was hit with major NCAA sanctions because Bush and his family received improper financial benefits during his time there.

With athletes now allowed to capitalize on their NIL rights, Bush asked for the award to be reinstated. The Heisman Trust obliged this past April, acknowledging the “enormous changes” to the world of college football.

Bush has not been associated with USC for most of the time between the sanctions and the present day. He was on the sideline for the Trojans’ season-opening win over LSU in Las Vegas.

“We appreciate that the new administration at USC is trying to pick up the pieces of the former administrations’ unjust and improper handling of Reggie Bush,” said Levi G. McCathern II, another one of Bush’s attorneys. “However, the delay in fixing this speaks volumes.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the USC Trojans helmets and Cotton Bowl logo during the game between the USC Trojans and the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Southern Cal lands 4-star WR Jerome Myles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Southern Cal added one of the top remaining targets in the Class of 2025 on Wednesday, landing a pledge from 4-star wide receiver Jerome Myles.

Myles, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound receiver from Draper, Utah, had previously committed to Ole Miss before backing out in June. He picked the Trojans over Texas A&M and Utah.

The 247Sports composite lists Myles as the seventh-rated wide receiver and No. 36 player overall in the class. Myles was ESPN’s top uncommitted receiver from next year’s class.

He visited Texas A&M in Week 1 but told ESPN he was sold on USC after his visit there the following week.

“USC just blew everybody out of the water,” Myles said. “They produce the most NFL draft picks. And the wide receiver development is crazy. And if I don’t make it in football out there, I’ll make it some way in life. They’re not all about just the football part. I like that.”

Myles originally planned to announce his commitment at the end of October before suffering an ACL injury Aug. 30 while playing for Corner Canyon High School.

Myles caught 39 passes for 1,185 yards and 14 touchdowns across his sophomore and junior seasons in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

–Field Level Media

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) rushes against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

No. 11 USC, No. 18 Michigan set for ‘iconic’ Big Ten opener

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For the first time since 1958, No. 11 Southern California will visit Ann Arbor, Mich., to take on No. 18 Michigan for the Trojans’ first-ever Big Ten Conference game.

USC (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) last visited Michigan Stadium on Sept. 27, 1958, for a 20-19 Wolverines win. The two programs faced off in seven Rose Bowl Games in the years since, last meeting in the 2007 edition.

“Two of the most iconic brands (in college football playing) … it’s cool, man,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said at his post-practice media availability on Tuesday.

The Trojans aim to make a statement about their place in the new-look Big Ten by knocking off the conference’s three-time defending champion and the reigning national champion in Michigan (2-1, 0-0).

USC heads into traditional Big Ten territory for the first time coming off a bye week. The Trojans won their first two games in nonconference play, but needed a decisive touchdown in the closing seconds of their 27-20 Week 1 win over LSU in Las Vegas.

No such heroics were needed in Week 2, as USC pounded Utah State, 48-0. Trojans running backs combined for five rushing touchdowns against the Aggies, led by Quinten Joyner’s two.

Woody Marks reached the end zone twice against LSU, including on the game-winner.

The bye week provided USC with an opportunity to heal up, most notably linebacker Mason Cobb and cornerback Jaylin Smith. Both returned to practice on Tuesday and should play key roles as the Trojans look to extend Michigan’s initial offensive woes.

The Wolverines endured a rocky nonconference slate. After losing a 31-12 rout at home in Week 2 to Texas, they were sluggish offensively for stretches last week in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State, prompting a quarterback change.

Alex Orji will make his first career start after closing out the Week 3 victory. Stepping in for Davis Warren, Orji passed for a touchdown and carried for 27 yards.

“Take the reins, perform like he did the first couple weeks of camp,” coach Sherrone Moore said of his advice to Orji ahead of the quarterback’s move to the first string. “I think he will. He’s had a great couple weeks of practice — so has Davis, but obviously you’ve got to perform in the game.”

Warren threw progressively more interceptions each week, from one in the opener vs. Fresno State, to two against Texas and then three vs. Arkansas State before his benching.

With the passing game seeking its footing, Michigan has leaned on Kalel Mullings carrying the ball. Mullings is averaging 7.5 yards on his 36 rushes.

While Michigan is trying to recapture its offensive productivity from a year ago, the Wolverines’ defense remains stout through three games. Michigan is holding opponents to 70 rushing yards per game behind the effort of a talented front seven, starting on the line with All-American Mason Graham.

Graham is a Southern California native. Riley said on Tuesday that he recruited the defensive tackle to USC upon taking the job in late 2021, but that Graham was firmly committed to Michigan by then.

Graham is one of the “(future) NFL players all over” the Wolverines’ roster, as Riley described it.

–Field Level Media