Tag: usc

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

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Cashius Howell (18) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC rallies to overtake Texas A&M in Las Vegas Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Jayden Maiava threw the last of his four touchdown passes with eight seconds remaining, finding Kyle Ford on a 6-yard strike, and Southern California rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat Texas A&M 35-31 in the Las Vegas Bowl on Friday.

The Trojans (7-6) went through a finale that in many ways mirrored their entire 2024 season, featuring a variety of highs and lows. They concluded their bowl game on a decided high note, going 75 yards in 10 plays and 1:41 to complete the comeback victory.

Maiava shook off throwing three interceptions on the night with a determined final drive that included the successful conversion of a third-and-13 near midfield. Maiava found Ja’Kobi Lane for a 33-yard gain that did not just convert the first down but moved USC into the red zone.

The catch put an exclamation point on Lane’s night. With the Trojans replacing a variety of regular-season starters due to opt-outs and transfers, Lane stepped up for seven receptions that resulted in 127 yards and three touchdowns.

He scored on a 30-yard catch in the second quarter, and the game was tied 7-7 at halftime. With USC trailing 24-7 late in the third quarter, Lane ignited the rally with a 17-yard TD grab.

Lane’s final scoring play came on an 18-yard pass from Maiava that put USC ahead 28-24 with 4:30 remaining in regulation.

“Not afraid to take chances,” Lane said of Maiava while speaking postgame on ESPN.

Lane added about the QB’s three interceptions, “That doesn’t matter at the end of the day. What matters is a win on the column. We all realize what we came to do in Vegas, and that is come out with a win.”

The decisive score came on Ford’s flat route, answering Texas A&M’s go-ahead touchdown on the previous possession scored on Marcel Reed’s 19-yard end zone rush. Reed earlier through three touchdown passes.

Texas A&M (8-5) broke the halftime stalemate with Reed’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Noah Thomas. Then, just a minute after the Aggies’ Randy Bond kicked a 27-yard field goal, Reed hooked up with Jabre Barber from 5 yards out.

Reed went 26 of 42 for 292 yards and carried the ball nine times for 46 yards. He was intercepted twice.

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said, “The story of the game is the story of our season. We can’t cover the forward pass well enough to be a good football team. That’s my fault.”

Maiava finished with 295 yards on 22-of-39 passing as USC bookended its season with last-minute wins over Southeastern Conference opponents at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. On Sept. 1, the Trojans defeated LSU 27-20.

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Miidseason QB changes take USC, Texas A&M into Las Vegas Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Meeting for just the fourth time ever and the first time since 1977, Southern California and Texas A&M will clash on Friday in the Las Vegas Bowl.

USC (6-6) returns to the Las Vegas Bowl for the first time since 2013 when the Trojans routed Fresno State 45-20, capping a 10-win season.

The stakes are different for USC this time, as the team comes in looking to avoid a third sub-.500 finish since 2018. The program has not endured three losing seasons over such a limited stretch since finishing below .500 four times from 1957 through 1961.

Despite suffering a 49-35 loss to rival Notre Dame on Nov. 30, however, the Trojans gained positive momentum down the stretch after a late-season bye week when Jayden Maiava took over as starting quarterback.

Maiava replaced Miller Moss, who threw 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions starting the first nine games. USC also dropped five one-score games over that spell.

With Maiava starting at quarterback, the Trojans won one-score games against Nebraska, 28-20, and at crosstown rival UCLA, 19-13. Maiava led late-game touchdown drives to seal both.

“I’m trying to be an energy-creator for my team, do the best I can for my team. I hope they understand that I’m here for them, and I’m going to do anything to put them in the best situation to win games,” Maiava said. “I’m still learning. The biggest thing for me is just be able to not turn over the ball.”

Maiava has thrown for seven touchdowns and rushed for three in the past three games, but also thrown three interceptions — all returned for touchdowns. In his return to Allegiant Stadium, where he played home games with UNLV before transferring to USC, the Henderson, Nev., native will strive to avoid similar issues against Texas A&M.

He will also be throwing to a much different corps of pass-catchers. Starting wide receivers Duce Robinson, Kyron Hudson and Zachariah Branch all entered the transfer portal, along with change-of-pace running back Quinten Joyner.

Starting running back Woody Marks opted out of the game.

Texas A&M (8-4) embarks on its first-ever Las Vegas Bowl with considerably less roster tumult. Starting wide receiver Cyrus Allen ended the transfer portal, but the Aggies otherwise return a corps of primary contributors hoping to rebound from a disappointing final month of the regular season.

The Aggies were once 7-1 and in contention for the College Football Playoff. A 1-3 November, with the lone win coming against New Mexico State, spoiled their bid for the 12-team tournament.

They dropped a pair of heartbreakers to close the regular season with a 43-41, quadruple-overtime defeat Nov. 23 at Auburn, and a 17-7 loss to rival Texas on Nov. 30.

The difficult finish to a promising first season under coach Mike Elko could have taken some of the shine off the bowl-game opportunity. However, the relative calm in Texas A&M’s roster turnover suggests otherwise.

And, according to Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed, playing against a brand name like USC, with Texas A&M having a chance to score its first-ever win over the Trojans, adds some excitement.

“Us being A&M, them being USC, it’s a really big game for us,” Reed said.

The quarterback made his first career start in the Aggies’ 2023 Texas Bowl matchup with Oklahoma State. Reed split snaps with Conner Weigman for the first half of the 2024 season before Reed took over as the full-time signal caller down the stretch.

“From then to now, I’ve grown tremendously as a football player and a leader,” Reed said. “The sky’s the limit.”

Reed completed 121 of 198 passes for 1,572 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions in the regular season. He added 501 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.

–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 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) reacts following a turnover on downs against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Ex-USC QB Miller Moss headed to Louisville

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Former Southern California quarterback Miller Moss officially committed to Louisville on Saturday.

Moss posted an edited graphic of him wearing a Louisville jersey on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a caption that reads, “Let’s do it #TheVille.”

ESPN had Moss as the 10th-best player in the transfer portal, also tabbing him as the third-best player at his position. He has one year of college eligibility left.

In four seasons with the Trojans (2021-24), Moss completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 3,469 yards, 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Moss was replaced as Southern California’s starter after getting nine games under center this season. Before the move, Moss had 2,555 passing yards, 18 TDs and nine picks.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2022; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison head coach Matt Entz holds up the championship trophy as the North Dakota State Bison team celebrates the win over the Montana State Bobcats in the FCS Championship at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Fresno State on verge of hiring Matt Entz as new head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Fresno State is close to formally naming Southern California assistant head coach Matt Entz as its new head coach.

Entz guided FCS power North Dakota State to two national championships before joining the USC staff after last season.

Fresno State hasn’t officially announced Entz’s hiring, but Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley made it clear Entz is departing.

“When you have a really quality staff, and you have really good people on your staff, you’re gonna have guys that get opportunities to move on, and I think we’re happy for Coach Entz first,” Riley told reporters Wednesday. “College football head coaching jobs are really really hard to get, and I think it’s always a sign of a healthy program, where programs are wanting to come in and hire your people, particularly for head coaching roles.

“He did a great job for us, made us better, made me better, was a great hire, a big part of what was one of the most, statistically, improved defenses in the country. I wish he and (his wife) Brenda the best.”

Entz, 52, went 60-11 from 2019-23 at North Dakota State. The Bison were national champions in 2019 and 2021.

Entz took the job at USC to bolster his resume in hopes of landing an FBS head coaching job. He was linebackers coach in addition to his assistant head coach duties of overseeing the defense.

Entz will replace Tim Skipper, who guided Fresno State to a 6-6 record this season as the interim coach. Skipper took over after Jeff Tedford stepped down in mid-July due to health concerns.

–Field Level Media

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans mascot Tommy Trojan leads the Spirit of Troy marching band onto the field before the game against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Reclassified 5-star DE Jahkeem Stewart signs with USC

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Five-star defensive end Jahkeem Stewart committed and signed to play at Southern California on Wednesday, becoming the defensive headliner in the Trojans’ 2025 class.

Stewart, from New Orleans, initially was the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class. He reclassified to the 2025 class in October, and the 247Sports composite lists him as the No. 3 defensive lineman and the No. 16 overall player in the nation.

He will enter USC with just 12 games of varsity football experience. According to ESPN, he made 85 tackles (33 for loss) and 20 sacks as a sophomore in 2023 at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. When he transferred to Edna Karr High School this fall, he was ruled ineligible and sat out his junior season. He elected to reclassify and graduate from high school in three years.

Stewart’s signing returns one five-star player to the USC fold. Earlier, a pair of five-stars — quarterback Julian Lewis and defensive lineman Justus Terry — decommitted from the Trojans.

The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Stewart also made official visits to Ohio State, LSU and Oregon.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; A general picture of SEC flag prior to the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Missouri Tigers at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

5-star WR Jerome Myles flips to Texas A&M

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Five-star wide receiver Jerome Myles signed with Texas A&M on Wednesday, just three days after reversing his commitment to Southern California.

Myles pledged to the Trojans on Sept. 18, but the Aggies continued to court him. He made an unofficial visit to College Station over the weekend, then decommitted from USC on Sunday. He took an official visit to Texas A&M in June.

It was an up-and-down recruitment for Myles, whom the 247Sports composite ranks as the No. 5 wide receiver and No. 23 player overall in the 2025 class.

From Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah, Myles committed to Ole Miss on April 28, then changed his mind about two months later as he continued to gather offers from major programs across the country.

“A&M has really continued to push,” Myles told 247Sports recently. “I enjoyed my official visit to College Station in the summer and even though I committed to USC the coaches there have been staying in contact, just checking in with me and making sure I have continued to feel like a big priority for them.”

Myles was the second big flip in as many days for the Aggies.

On Tuesday, five-star offensive tackle Lamont Rogers committed to Texas A&M after backing off his pledge to Missouri.

Texas A&M’s class ranked eighth in the nation as of Wednesday morning.

–Field Level Media

Oct 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Trojans QB Miller Moss entering transfer portal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal with one season of eligibility remaining, he told ESPN on Monday.

Moss appeared in 21 games (10 starts) for the Trojans from 2021-24, completing 65.9 percent of his passes for 3,469 yards with 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

“I really enjoyed my time at USC,” he told ESPN. “It was transformative for my life as a whole and for me growing up for the last few years. I’m thankful. I gave that program everything I had.

“There comes a point where there’s a time to move on to new opportunities, and I’m hoping to better myself as a person and a player.”

Moss made nine starts this season for USC (6-6, 4-5 Big Ten), passing for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions before being replaced by Jayden Maiava.

–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