The USC Trojans won't rotate players at quarterback off the bat. USC insider Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times dove into the biggest predictions ahead of the 2025 season. Which officially kicks off in 11 days when Missouri State heads to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The USC Trojans won't rotate players at quarterback off the bat. But a pivotal position group enters this season with the "unproven" label that impacts Jayden Maiava.
USC insider Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times dove into the biggest predictions ahead of the 2025 season. Which officially kicks off in 11 days when Missouri State heads to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Maiava will have proven weapons around him. Ja'Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon spearhead the aerial options at Maiava's disposal. But a key area remains unsettled -- to the point Kartje predicts Lincoln Riley and his coaching staff will be doing some rotating there early.
"USC hasn’t really had a reliable front since Riley’s first season, and this is by far his most unproven unit yet," Kartje said of the USC offensive line.
One talent still hasn't learned if he can strap on the pads for the season opener. Which puts the USC offensive line in a deeper bind.
"The interior is a legitimate concern if DJ Wingfield isn’t deemed eligible," Kartje said.
How "unsettled" is this group exactly? Kartje predicts that USC and Riley may need to turn to past non-scholarship players.
"I expect at some point this season we’ll see a former walk-on (Kilian O’Connor) and a preferred walk-on (Kaylon Miller) start a game at center and guard, respectively," Kartje said. "And while both should be commended for their development, that’s not a good sign for USC’s offense."
Kartje then dove into who must step up immediately in the trenches.
"The Trojans desperately need Elijah Paige to deliver on his huge potential this season at left tackle, Alani Noa to iron out some of his inconsistencies at right guard, and Tobias Raymond to live up to Riley’s billing of him as one of the best players on the team. That’s a lot to ask," Kartje said.
So how does the insider see the OL shaping up rotation wise?
"Expect many different combinations up front for USC, with J’Onre Reed, Micah Banuelos and Justin Tauanuu also logging starts throughout. That’s eight different starters on the line, which would be the most since Riley took over at USC," Kartje said.
Whoever plays along the line of scrimmage will face a defense that delivered 31 total sacks for the Bears last season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: General Sports
