NFL
By George Lopez
The USC Trojans kick off the 2025 college football season this Saturday as they host Missouri St. The Trojans, led by head coach Lincoln Riley, look to improve on their 2024 season that saw the team finish with a 7-6 record in what can only be seen as a disappointment for the Trojans in their first season in the BIG 10 Conference.
Jayden Maiava returns as quarterback to lead the Trojans offense. After taking over quarterback duties from Miller Moss last season, Maiava passed for 1201 yards with 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. With a full training camp as the starting quarterback, Maiava will look to lead the Trojans offense with a balanced attack while looking to cut down on the turnovers. WR Ja’Kobi Lane, who was recovering from an injury is expected to play this Saturday. Lane gives Maiava a trusted receiver as he accounted for 43 receptions for 525 yards and 12 touchdowns. Makai Lemon and Zacharyus Williams are expected to start at WR for the Trojans and Riley’s 3 receiver formations. Look for redshirt freshman Xavier Jordan to see considerable playing time for the Trojans.
The Trojans offense will look to replace the productivity of Woody Marks. To help replace Marks, the Trojans are expected to go with Waymond Jordan, who impressed in fall camp along with Eli Sanders. Sophomore Bryan Jackson will be part of the running back rotation, a running back group that Coach Riley believes is the deepest he has had since he’s been at USC.
A question mark the Trojans will look have answered is the play of their defense. The Trojans lost multiple games in 2024 as the defense wore down and lost leads late in games. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will look to have the Trojans play an aggressive defense. The Trojans coaches worked with players in camp to improve their conditioning. A move the Trojans made in the off season was hiring Rob Ryan as their linebacker coach. Ryan joins the Trojans coaching staff with a good defensive mind and his aggressive style should fit in nicely with Coach Lynn’s defensive philosophy. Eric Gentry returns to lead the linebacking corp and will be look upon as one of the defensive leaders.
On the defensive line, Sophomore Kameryn Fountain will look to bring pressure on the right side of the Trojans defensive line. Keeshawn Silver and Devan Thompkins are expected to start at the defensive tackles positions and will looked upon to close up the interior running lanes while also providing pass rushing pressure up the middle. For the Trojans defense to have success, they will need to get off their blocks and maintain proper pursuit angles.
The Trojans enter the game against Missouri St. as a 35 point favorite. Look for the Trojans to come out throwing early in the game while mixing in read options plays to take advantage of Malaga’s athleticism. As the game progresses, look for the Trojans to begin to balance out their offensive attack and establish their running game. At the end, the Trojans will come out victorious to kick off their 2025 season.
