Purdue Boilermakers offensive lineman DJ Wingfield (55) helps up Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, during the NCAA football game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Northwestern Wildcats won 26-20.

Report: USC OL DJ Wingfield hires attorney in NCAA eligibility battle

Southern California offensive lineman DJ Wingfield is hiring an attorney to contest his eligibility for the 2025 season, On3 reported Thursday.

Wingfield transferred from Purdue to USC after the 2024 season, believing he could play one more season due to an NCAA waiver for players with at least one season at a non-NCAA program. He has been unable to secure that waiver, per the report.

The 6-foot-4, 320-pound lineman began his career at El Camino Junior College, playing 22 games there from 2020-21 before competing at New Mexico (2022-23) and Purdue. His 2022 campaign ended with an injury in the season opener. He started all 12 games at right guard for the Boilermakers.

Wingfield is hiring attorney Darren Heitner and is expected to file a lawsuit for an injunction that would allow him to play this fall, per On3.

Wingfield originally declared for the 2025 NFL Draft before entering the portal and committing to the Trojans in January.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buccaneers missing at least three starters vs. Lions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ruled out three starters –All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot, ankle), defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (calf) and right tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion) — for Sunday’s road game against the Detroit Lions.

Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles also ruled out backup cornerback Josh Hayes (ankle), while starting cornerback Zyon McCallum and starting defensive end Logan Hall are both questionable.

McCallum has practiced all week after suffering a concussion in Week 1 but still has to clear concussion protocol. He must clear protocol by Saturday to be eligible to play Sunday. Hall missed the season opener with a foot injury.

“Zyon has some tests to pass. We’ll see how Logan feels tomorrow,” Bowles said. “I feel good about (McCollum). He’s working hard. You’ve got to pass the test, which I’m not a part of, so we’ll see.”

Reserve safety/nickelback Christian Izien is expected to fill in for Winfield, while backup/swing tackle Justin Skule will replace Goedeke. If Smith isn’t healthy by Sunday, Izien could play nickel with Kaveon Merriweather at safety, Bowles said. Ben Stille is listed as Kancey’s backup on the depth chart.

“Guys make this team for a reason,” Bowles said. “Everybody’s going to go through their lumps at some point. Better now than midseason — give some young guys and give some other guys some experience that could help us later on, so we’re going to go with what we got.”

Undrafted rookie free agent Tyrek Funderburk, who was inactive in Week 1, would replace McCollum if that latter doesn’t clear protocol.

For the Lions, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and wide receiver Isaiah Williams (abdomen) were ruled out, while defensive end Marcus Davenport (groin) is doubtful. Starting wide receiver Jameson Williams and starting right tackle Penei Sewell are questionable with ankle injuries, and starting safety Kerby Joseph (hamstring) is also questionable.

–Field Level Media