Tag: Trojans

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

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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

Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Deontae Craig (45) pressures Troy Trojans quarterback Matthew Caldwell (12) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa survives Troy upset scare

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Iowa Hawkeyes survived a scare against the Troy Trojans Saturday in Iowa City, Iowa, defeating the Sun Belt Conference team 38-21.

Iowa (2-1) entered the second half down four points, after entering the game a 22 and ½-point favorite against Troy (0-3), but needed a second half turnover and strong running performance to defeat the Spartans.

Kaleb Johnson led the Hawkeyes on the ground with 173 yards and two touchdowns. The junior had two runs over 30 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter, putting Iowa ahead 31-21.

Devonte Ross paced the Trojans with 142 yards receiving and two touchdowns on five catches, adding a punt return score.

Brendan Sullivan, a transfer from Northwestern, gave Iowa its first lead of the second half with his only pass of the game. Entering the game on a redzone play, Sullivan sent a shovel pass to Addison Ostrenga for a touchdown.

The touchdown was Iowa’s only through the air, with Cade McNamara passing for 176 yards on 19 for 23 passing.

Then, with 2:30 remaining in the third quarter, Iowa added to its lead with a 28-yard pick six with Jermari Harris reading a pass from Matthew Caldwell and diving into the endzone to cap the return.

Iowa put the game away for good in the fourth quarter when Jaziun Patterson ran 39 yards for a touchdown putting the Hawkeyes up 38-21. Iowa outgained Troy 284-24 on the ground.

Troy gave the Big Ten squad a scare throughout the first three quarters of the game, thanks in part to the play of Ross.

In the second quarter, down 7-0, Ross caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Caldwell down the left sideline. Then, with one minute remaining in the first half, Ross scored on a 77-yard punt return to put the Trojans ahead 14-10 at halftime.

In the second half, Ross repeated his first half receiving prowess with a different quarterback. After Caldwell, who had 156 passing yards and a touchdown, threw his interception, the quarterback went to the bench in favor of Tucker Kilcrease. On the sophomore’s first pass, he found Ross for a 62-yard touchdown pass.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams poses for photos during a press conference in the Astor Ballroom at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York, NY, after winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

USC retires Caleb Williams’ No. 13, restores Reggie Bush’s No. 5

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A pair of Heisman Trophy winners were further cemented into Southern California’s legacy Thursday, as the Trojans retired quarterback Caleb Williams’ No. 13 jersey and running back Reggie Bush’s No. 5.

The program revealed Williams’ jersey retirement on a social media video that featured music artists Snoop Dogg and John Legend along with USC coach Lincoln Riley, Trojans women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins and a host of Williams’ teammates.

Williams became USC’s eighth and most recent Heisman winner when he threw for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns in 2022, his first year with the Trojans. The eight Heisman Trophy winners are the only Trojans to have had their numbers retired. Williams was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears this April after piling up 8,170 passing yards and 72 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions in his two seasons at USC.

Bush had his number retired for the second time. USC removed his number in 2010 following NCAA sanctions against the program involving Bush, who received improper benefits during his tenure with the Trojans.

Bush had his 2005 Heisman Trophy stripped and said he did not want to be associated with USC football if his award was not returned to him. The Heisman Trust did just that, reinstating the trophy to Bush in April, and Bush is expected to lead the Trojans onto the field before a game this season, per ESPN.

Bush averaged 7.3 yards per carry and 13.7 yards per catch during his electrifying three years at USC from 2003-05. He racked up 4,470 yards and 38 touchdowns from scrimmage along with four kick/punt return TDs.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll looks on prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Back to school: ‘Professor’ Pete Carroll returns to USC

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Southern California and Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is going back to school.

Carroll told Seattle’s Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM on Tuesday that he will be teaching a class at USC this spring.

“I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “It’s going to be a really exciting endeavor when it’s finalized and all that.”

The radio appearance marked Carroll’s first comments to Seattle media since his farewell news conference with the Seahawks in January.

Carroll did not provide any specifics about his plans for the classroom.

“Everybody wants to know what I’m doing and all that, am I coaching or what am I doing. I’m working with some really fun people and some exciting opportunities to do some really cool stuff and putting things together … for others, so I’m going to keep working that way and see what happens,” he said.

Carroll’s Seahawks finished 9-8 in 2023 but missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. He compiled a record of 137-89-1 in Seattle, including a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, before being replaced by Mike Macdonald.

“I haven’t talked to those guys at all,” Carroll said of his recent interactions with the Seahawks. “I ran into Mike in the parking lot one day, and it was a great chance to just, the two of us alone, to meet, say hey and kind of get greeted, and on we go. I have not had much to do with them in any way, and really I’m just watching the games a little bit when I see them on TV.”

Carroll was the head coach of the Trojans from 2001-09, leading them to an undefeated national championship season in 2004. Before arriving at USC, he was the head coach of the New York Jets (1994) and New England Patriots (1997-99).

Carroll, who turns 73 next month, left open the possibility of a return to coaching.

“I get asked it a lot and I’m pretty familiar with the answer now,” he said. “I could coach tomorrow. I’m physically in the best shape I’ve been in in a long time. I’m ready to do all the activities that I’m doing and feeling really good about it. I could, but I don’t really — I’m not desiring it at this point. This isn’t the coaching season. We’ll see what happens.

“I’m not waiting on it at all. I’m going ahead. I’ve got other things that I want to do that I’m excited about, and I’m going to see how all that goes. I’m not thinking that I’m holding my breath and that kind of thing. If it’s been 40-something years, 48 years or whatever coaching, and [if] that’s it, I’ll feel OK about that.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) gestures during a running play against the Louisville Cardinals in the second half at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

USC picks Miller Moss as next QB1

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Southern California will enter the 2024 season with Miller Moss as its starting quarterback, coach Lincoln Riley announced Monday.

Moss steps into the Los Angeles limelight after spending three years as a backup quarterback for the Trojans.

In five games of limited action last year, Moss completed 46 of 65 pass attempts for 681 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. His breakout performance came in the Holiday Bowl, which No. 1 quarterback Caleb Williams skipped to prepare for the NFL draft. Moss went 23-for-33 for 372 yards, six touchdowns and a pick in a 42-28 win over Louisville.

Moss’ primary competition for the starting job was transfer Jayden Maiava. At UNLV last year, Maiava played in all 14 games and completed 63.5 percent of his throws for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Big Ten preseason media poll pegged USC sixth of 18 teams in its first year in the conference. The Trojans open their season on Sept. 1 with a nonconference game against LSU in Las Vegas.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) scrambles out of the pocket against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Top football recruit to start USC early, reclassifying to Class of ’25

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The top high school football player in the class of 2026 intends to start college a year early, according to ESPN on Tuesday.

Quarterback Julian Lewis out of Carrollton High School in Georgia told ESPN he plans to reclassify to enter college as part of the class of 2025.

“Since I was 7 years old, one of my goals has been to play Division I football,” Lewis told ESPN. “Through hard work and sacrifice that goal has become a reality. I have been blessed to have two good seasons under Coach Joey King and I have confidence that after this coming season I will be ready to compete at the next level.

“So, after much prayer and talking with my family, coaches and trainers I will be reclassifying to the class of 2025.”

Lewis committed to USC in August after many other top programs recruited him, including the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Oregon.

As part of the Class of 2025, Lewis ranks as the No. 14 overall prospect in the country with a 10.12 Y/A and 25 career wins, according to 247Sports.

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) scrambles during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

USC QB Caleb Williams, potential No. 1 pick, enters NFL draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

USC quarterback Caleb Williams entered the 2024 NFL Draft and is projected to be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick.

“Since I was 10, all I ever wanted to do was to play football,” Williams wrote on X. “The journey would be empty without the people who have supported and loved me. I will Fight On forever and rep Hornsdown4Life. I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I am officially declaring for the NFL Draft.”

Considered the likely No. 1 overall selection in the draft, Williams passed for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games this season. Though Williams’ numbers were strong, the Trojans finished with a disappointing 8-5 record (5-4 Pac-12). They won the Dec. 17 Holiday Bowl over Louisville, 48-28, but Williams decided to sit out the game.

The first pick in the draft is currently held by the Chicago Bears, who are weighing whether to keep the selection after trading the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers last year. Under consideration for the Bears is whether Williams could be a better fit, a matter that involves the financial commitment pending from the franchise to 2021 first-rounder Justin Fields.

Williams isn’t the only candidate for the top pick in a class with strong talent at the position. North Carolina’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix are part of the deep pool of quarterbacks.

In 2022, his first season with the Trojans, Williams had 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions in 14 games on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy. USC started 11-1 that season before losing to Utah in the Pac-12 championship game and to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl.

As a freshman in 2021 at Oklahoma, Williams passed for 1,912 yards, 21 touchdowns and four interceptions before making the jump to USC.

–Field Level Media

Nov 11, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) walks off the field after a game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams: ‘Game-time decision’ on 2024 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams is undecided about declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner told the Los Angeles Times that it will be “a game-time decision.”

The deadline to declare is Jan. 15. The draft is scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit.

Williams entered this season as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick for 2024. Although his individual numbers were strong, the Trojans took a step back with a 7-5 season.

“I’ve never been in this situation, where I’m 7-5 and there are no playoff hopes at the end of the season,” Williams told the L.A. Times. “I’m dealing with it emotionally, dealing with it spiritually and physically. It’s been one of the most important years I think I’ve had. It’s tricky. I’ve had to have talks with (USC head coach) Lincoln (Riley) — because obviously I haven’t been through it — or with my family members or people like that, just how to deal with this and lead, how to stay the same person I was before the season or after our first loss or second loss.

“So, it was different. It was a learning process.”

Williams has completed 68.6 percent of his passes for 3,633 yards with 30 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 starts this season.

During his Heisman-winning campaign in 2022, he completed 66.6 percent of his throws for 4,537 yards, 42 TDs and five picks in 14 games. USC started 11-1 before losing to Utah in the Pac-12 championship game and to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl.

–Field Level Media

USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) talks with USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the first half of the game against No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.

Rivals UCLA, USC stumble into final Pac-12 showdown

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Los Angeles rivals UCLA and host Southern California meet Saturday in the 93rd installment of their annual series.

Both the Trojans (7-4, 5-3 Pac-12 Conference) and Bruins (6-4, 3-4) come into the matchup — the last before each leaves the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference — on losing streaks.

USC dropped its second consecutive game last Saturday, 36-27 at Oregon. The Trojans lost the previous week at home to undefeated Washington, 52-42.

“We’ve been … right on the doorstep of getting it done, but haven’t quite been able to get over the hump here in the second half of the season,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said on his radio show Monday. “When you set out big goals and you go for it, every now and then, you’re going to come up short.”

USC is out of contention for the Pac-12 championship heading into its regular-season finale. Defense has plagued the Trojans throughout their turbulent 2023, with opponents scoring at least 34 points in each of the last seven games.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch was dismissed before last week’s visit to Oregon, but USC still gave up passing touchdowns of 77 and 84 yards against the Ducks.

UCLA, meanwhile, has struggled on the other side of the ball in consecutive losses of 27-10 at Arizona on Nov. 4 and 17-7 at home last week to Arizona State.

The Bruins had three consecutive possessions deep in Arizona State territory end without producing any points.

Quarterback injuries have impacted UCLA offensively.

Dante Moore did not play against Arizona State, but Bruins coach Chip Kelly said on Monday he is practicing. The freshman is 91-for-75 on the season for 1,344 yards with 10 TDs but has been intercepted seven times.

Fellow Bruins QB Ethan Garbers is 64-for-94 for 786 yards with six touchdowns and three picks, while Collin Schlee has operated primarily as a ball-carrier when he has been under center.

“They all can throw the ball very well, so that’s not a problem,” UCLA wide receiver Logan Loya said. “Sure, maybe the timing’s a little different, you can say the same thing for the quarterbacks about each receiver, too.”

USC quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, meanwhile, is tied with Oregon’s Bo Nix for the second-most passing touchdowns in the country this season with 29. Williams has also rushed for 11 scores.

–Field Level Media