USC Trojans Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

USC football coach Lincoln Riley discusses the upcoming Alamo Bowl against TCU, highlighting key player absences, injuries, and the opportunity for younger players to shine.

Head coach Lincoln Riley announces defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewarts absence from the Alamo Bowl due to a significant foot injury. Stewart, a standout freshman, played the entire season with a stress fracture, showcasing resilience and commitment. Other Trojans, including wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, defensive backs Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald, tight end Lake McRee, linebacker Eric Gentry, offensive linemen Killian O’Connor and Elijah Paige, and defensive lineman Anthony Lucas, will also not be playing. Lane and Ramsey have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Trojans face TCU in the Alamo Bowl on December 30th at 6 PM Pacific Time on ESPN.

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is staying in college for another year, prioritizing development and NIL earnings over an immediate NFL draft. This decision, influenced by his teammate Jayden Maiava, highlights a growing trend among top college players to weigh the benefits of another year in college versus entering the draft.

USC Safety Kamari Ramsey, a former UCLA recruit, has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. After a strong 2024 season with the Trojans, injuries limited his 2025 performance. Despite the setbacks, he earned All-Big Ten honorable mention. Projected for day two or three of the draft, Ramsey embarks on his professional football journey.

USCs JaKobi Lane Shocks with NFL Draft Declaration; Trojans Face Major Departures Ahead of Alamo Bowl

Kamari Ramsey, USCs safety, declares for NFL Draft, leaving a void in Trojans secondary. Ramsey, who transferred from UCLA, recorded 27 tackles in 9 games, missing 3 due to injury. His absence was felt in 2 losses. USC, aiming for College Football Playoff, relies on newcomers like Carrington Pierce and Elbert Hill the Fourth, along with returning players like Christian Pierce, Bishop Fitzgerald, and DeCarlos Nicholson.

USCs defense gets a boost with key players returning for 2026 season.

USC lands transfer commitment from Carrington Pierce, brother of current Trojan Christian Pierce, who will return for his senior year. Carrington, a former Oklahoma State cornerback, will have three years of eligibility remaining. USC expects to be active in the transfer market this winter to replace departing players and strengthen their roster.

USCs 2026 recruiting class boasts 35 new players, focusing on depth and talent across positions. The cornerback group, in particular, sees significant reinforcements with four-star Brandon Lockhart, three-star Joshua Holland, five-star Elbert Hill, and four-star Peyton Dyer. This influx of talent, along with a strong emphasis on offensive and defensive lines, and versatile wide receivers, aims to create a competitive and deep roster. The recruits express confidence in the coaching staff and the teams potential to compete for championships.