Jump to content

2018 USC Trojans football team

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2018 USC Trojans football
ConferencePac-12 Conference
DivisionSouth Division
Record5–7 (4–5 Pac-12)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorTee Martin (4th season)
Offensive schemeMultiple
Defensive coordinatorClancy Pendergast (4th season)
Base defense5–2
Captain
4
Home stadiumLos Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Seasons
← 2017
2019 →
2018 Pac-12 Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
North Division
No. 13 Washington xy$   7 – 2     10 – 4  
No. 10 Washington State x   7 – 2     11 – 2  
Stanford   6 – 3     9 – 4  
Oregon   5 – 4     9 – 4  
California   4 – 5     7 – 6  
Oregon State   1 – 8     2 – 10  
South Division
Utah xy   6 – 3     9 – 5  
Arizona State   5 – 4     7 – 6  
USC   4 – 5     5 – 7  
Arizona   4 – 5     5 – 7  
UCLA   3 – 6     3 – 9  
Colorado   2 – 7     5 – 7  
Championship: Washington 10, Utah 3
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2018 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and competed as members of the South Division of the Pac-12 Conference. They were led by third-year head coach Clay Helton.

Despite being ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll's preseason rankings, the Trojans finished the season 5–7, the program's first losing record since 2000 and missed a bowl game for the first time since that year (The 2010 and 2011 teams were banned from postseason play due to NCAA sanctions.) USC lost to both of its major rivals, UCLA and Notre Dame, in the same season for the first time since 2013, and it also lost to all other California Pac-12 schools (UCLA, California, and Stanford) in the same season for the first time since 1996. The team went 4–5 in Pac-12 play, tying Arizona for third place in the Pac-12 South Division.

On November 25, USC athletic director Lynn Swann announced that head coach Clay Helton would return in 2019 despite the disappointing season.

Personnel

[edit]

Coaching staff

[edit]
Name Position Seasons at
USC		 Alma mater Before USC
Clay Helton Head coach 8 Houston (1994) Memphis – Offensive coordinator (2009)
John Baxter Special teams coordinator 7 Iowa State (1987) Michigan – Special teams coordinator (2015)
Ronnie Bradford Secondary coach 3 Colorado (1995) LA Tech – Defensive backs coach / special teams coordinator (2015)
Keary Colbert Tight ends coach / inside receivers coach 4 USC (2006) Alabama – Offensive analyst (2015)
Tim Drevno Tailbacks coach / offensive line coach / running game coordinator / pass protection coordinator 2 Cal State Fullerton (1992) Michigan – Offensive coordinator / offensive line coach (2015)
Bryan Ellis Quarterbacks coach 2 UAB (2011) Western Kentucky – Wide receivers coach (2015)
Tee Martin Offensive coordinator / wide receivers coach 7 Tennessee (2004) Kentucky – Wide receivers coach (2011)
Johnny Nansen Linebackers coach / recruiting coordinator / assistant head coach 5 Washington State (1997) Washington – Special teams coordinator / Tailbacks coach (2013)
Clancy Pendergast Defensive coordinator 5 Arizona (1990) San Francisco 49ers – Linebackers coach (2015)
Kenechi Udeze Defensive line coach 4 USC (2010) Pittsburgh – Assistant strength and conditioning coach (2014)
Ivan Lewis Head strength and conditioning coach 5 San Diego (2003) Washington – Head strength & conditioning coach (2013)
Prentice Gill Offensive graduate assistant – Wide receivers 4 Old Dominion (2012) San Jose State – Graduate assistant (defensive backs) (2015)
Trevor Guyton Defensive graduate assistant – Defensive line 1 California (2013) Saskatchewan Roughriders – Defensive line (2014)
Michael Hutchings Defensive graduate assistant – Linebackers 1 USC (2017) USC – Inside linebacker (2016)
Dane Stevens Offensive graduate assistant – Tight ends 2 USC (2016) USC – Student assistant coach (2016)

Roster

[edit]
2018 USC Trojans Football roster

Quarterback

  •  4 Trevor Scully – Freshman (5′11, 170)
  • 10 Jack Sears – Redshirt Freshman (6′3, 205)
  • 13 Brandon Perdue – Freshman (6′4, 215)
  • 16 Holden Thomas – Redshirt Sophomore (6′6, 200)
  • 18 JT Daniels – Freshman (6′3, 210)
  • 19 Matt Fink – Redshirt Sophomore (6′3, 200)

Tailback

  •  7 Stephen Carr – Sophomore (6′0, 205)
  • 28 Aca'Cedric Ware – Senior (6′0, 205)
  • 29 Vavae Malepeai – Redshirt Sophomore (6′0, 215)
  • 30 Markese Stepp – Freshman (6′0, 230)
  • 37 Ben Easington – Redshirt Freshman (5′10, 205)
  • 38 Chris Edmondson – Redshirt Sophomore (5′9, 195)
  • 39 Howard Felder Jr. – Redshirt Freshman (6′0, 235)
  • 40 Quincy Jountti – Junior (5′10, 205)

Wide receiver

  •  1 Velus Jones Jr. – Redshirt Sophomore (6′0, 190)
  •  2 Devon Williams – Freshman (6′4, 205)
  •  6 Michael Pittman Jr. – Junior (6′4, 215)
  •  8 Amon-Ra St. Brown – Freshman (6′1, 195)
  • 13 Trevon Sidney – Redshirt Sophomore (5′11, 170)
  • 17 Josh Imatorbhebhe – Redshirt Sophomore (6′2, 215)
  • 21 Tyler Vaughns – Redshirt Sophomore (6′2, 185)
  • 24 Jake Russell – Redshirt Junior (5′11, 175)
  • 26 Zach Wilson – Freshman (6′1, 200)
  • 34 Matt Nyman – Redshirt Freshman (6′2, 190)
  • 36 Jack Webster – Redshirt Freshman (6′0, 185)
  • 44 Matthew Hocum – Redshirt Junior (5′10, 180)
  • 85 Keyshawn 'Pie' Young – Redshirt Sophomore (5′11, 170)
  • 87 Randal Grimes – Sophomore (6′4, 205)
  • - John Jackson III – Freshman (6′1, 180)

Tight end

  • 41 Chris Caulk – Redshirt Sophomore (6′3, 210)
  • 82 Tyler Petite – Senior (6′4, 250)
  • 83 Josh Falo – Sophomore (6′6, 230)
  • 84 Erik Krommenhoek – Sophomore (6′5, 255)
  • 88 Daniel Imatorbhebhe – Redshirt Junior (6′3, 240)
  • 89 Austin Applebee – Redshirt Senior (6′6, 250)

Placekicker

  • 15 Thomas Fitts – Redshirt Junior (6′1, 200)
  • 38 Alex Stadthaus – Freshman (6′2, 195)
  • 40 Chase McGrath – Sophomore (6′0, 195)
  • 49 Michael Brown – Redshirt Sophomore (6′1, 195)
  

Offensive Lineman

  • 50 Toa Lobendahn – C-OT – Redshirt Senior (6′3, 295)
  • 51 Bernard Schirmer – OT – Redshirt Sophomore (6′6, 290)
  • 52 Jacob Daniel – OG – Redshirt Junior (6′4, 315)
  • 54 Jalen McKenzie – OT – Redshirt Freshman (6′5, 310)
  • 56 Jordan Austin – OG – Redshirt Senior (6′5, 290)
  • 57 Justin Dedich – C – Freshman (6′2, 290)
  • 62 Brett Neilon – C – Redshirt Freshman (6′2, 295)
  • 64 AJ Mageo – OT – Freshman (6′5, 320)
  • 65 Frank Martin II – OG – Redshirt Sophomore (6′4, 300)
  • 67 Mark Zuvich – C – Freshman (6′3, 260)
  • 68 Liam Douglass – OT – Freshman (6′5, 290)
  • 70 Chuma Edoga – OT – Senior (6′4, 295)
  • 72 Andrew Vorhees – OG-OT – Sophomore (6′6, 315)
  • 73 Austin Jackson – OT – Sophomore (6′6, 305)
  • 75 Alijah Vera-Tucker – OG-OT – Redshirt Freshman (6′4, 310)
  • 76 Clayton Bradley – OT – Redshirt Junior (6′5, 295)
  • 77 Chris Brown – OG – Redshirt Senior (6′5, 310)

Defensive line

  • 44 Malik Dorton – Redshirt Senior (6′2, 280)
  • 51 Marlon Tuipulotu – Redshirt Freshman (6′3, 305)
  • 78 Jay Tufele – Redshirt Freshman (6′3, 310)
  • 89 Christian Rector – Redshirt Junior (6′4, 275)
  • 90 Connor Murphy – Junior (6′7, 260)
  • 91 Brandon Pili – Sophomore (6′4, 325)
  • 93 Liam Jimmons – Redshirt Sophomore (6′4, 290)
  • 95 Trevor Trout – Freshman (6′4, 310)
  • 96 Caleb Tremblay – Junior (6′5, 270)
  • 97 Jacob Lichtenstein – Redshirt Freshman (6′5, 270)

Outside Linebacker

  • 26 Kana'i Mauga – Freshman (6′2, 240)
  • 31 Hunter Echols – Redshirt Freshman (6′5, 240)
  • 34 Eli'Jah Winston – Freshman (6′3, 235)
  • 41 Juliano Falaniko – Sophomore (6′4, 230)
  • 42 Abdul-Malik McClain – Freshman (6′4, 240)
  • 45 Porter Gustin – Senior (6′5, 260)
  • 46 Grant Jones – Redshirt Sophomore (6′2, 220) (+ILB)
  • 48 Peter Esparza – Freshman (6′1, 205)
  • 56 Jordan Iosefa – Junior (6′2, 230) (+ILB)
  • 99 Oluwole Betiku Jr. – Junior (6′3, 240)

Long snappers

  • 39 Jac Casasante – Freshman (6′0, 210)
  • 59 Damon Johnson – Sophomore (6′0, 205)
  • 61 Jake Olson – Redshirt Junior (6′3, 225)
  

Inside Linebacker

  •  1 Palaie Gaoteote IV – Freshman (6′2, 250)
  • 10 John Houston Jr. – Redshirt Junior (6′3, 220)
  • 13 Vi Jones – Sophomore (6′3, 220) (+OLB)
  • 18 Raymond Scott – Freshman (6′2, 230)
  • 35 Cameron Smith – Senior (6′2, 250)
  • 47 Reuben Peters – Redshirt Senior (6′0, 230) (+FB)
  • 49 Matt Bayle – Redshirt Junior (6′0, 215)
  • 52 Spencer Gilbert – Freshman (6′0, 220)
  • 53 Bryce Matthews – Redshirt Freshman (6′3, 225)
  • 54 Tayler Katoa – Redshirt Freshman (6′2, 230)
  • 58 Solomon Tuliaupupu – Freshman (6′3, 240)
  • 59 Isaac Franco – Redshirt Senior (6′1, 230)

Cornerback

  •  4 Olaijah Griffin – Freshman (6′0, 180)
  •  6 Isaac Taylor-Stuart – Freshman (6′2, 295)
  •  8 Iman Marshall – Senior (6′1, 205)
  •  9 Greg Johnson – Redshirt Freshman (5′11, 190)
  • 16 Dominic Davis – Redshirt Junior (5′9, 190) (+TB)
  • 17 Chase Williams – Freshman (6′2, 190)
  • 23 Jonathan Lockett – Redshirt Senior (5′11, 180)
  • 24 Isaiah Langley – Senior (6′0, 175)
  • 27 Ajene Harris – Redshirt Senior (5′10, 185)

Safety

  •  7 Marvell Tell – Senior (6′2, 195)
  • 15 Talanoa Hufanga – Freshman (6′1, 215)
  • 21 Isaiah Pola-Mao – Redshirt Freshman (6′4, 200)
  • 28 C.J. Pollard – Redshirt Sophomore (6′1, 190)
  • 30 Jordan McMillan – Freshman (5′11, 200)
  • 31 Richard Hagestad – Redshirt Sophomore (6′1, 195)
  • 37 Davonte Nunnery – Redshirt Senior (5′10, 210)

Punter

  • 36 Chris Tilbey – Redshirt Senior (6′5, 210)
  • 46 Reid Budrovich – Redshirt Senior (5′11, 185)
  • 47 James Bermingham Jr. – Redshirt Senior (6′4, 185)

Holder

  • 81 Wyatt Schmidt – Redshirt Senior (6′3, 205) (+SNP)
2018 USC Spring Football Roster (03/06/2018)

Returning starters

[edit]

USC returns 31 starters in 2018, including 11 on offense, 13 on defense, and 5 on special teams.

Key departures include Sam Darnold (QB – 14 games), Ronald Jones II (TB – 13 games), Deontay Burnett (WR – 12 games), Steven Mitchell (WR – 7 games), Jalen Greene (WR – 5 games), Viane Talamaivao (OG – 5 games), Nico Falah (C – 14 games), Rasheem Green(DE/DT – 14 games), Josh Fatu (DT – 12 games), Uchenna Nwosu (OLB – 14 games), Jack Jones (CB – 13 games), Chris Hawkins (S – 14 games), Ykili Ross (S – 2 games).

Other departures include James Toland IV (TB), Matt Lopes (S).

Transfers

[edit]

The Trojans lost 5 players due to transfer.

Name Number Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown Transfer to
Jalen Greene #10 WR 6'2 200 Senior Redshirt Inglewood, CA Utah State
Jamel Cook #21 S 6'4 190 Sophomore Redshirt Miami, FL South Carolina
Olajuwon Tucker #34 LB 6'2 220 Senior Redshirt Harbor City, CA –
Roy Hemsley #63 OG 6'5 315 Junior Redshirt Los Angeles, CA Arizona State
Je'Quari Godfrey #22 CB 6'2 185 Freshman Redshirt Oakland, CA -

Depth chart

[edit]
  • Depth Chart 2018

True Freshman
Double Position : *

Recruiting class

[edit]
US college sports recruiting information for 2018 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Amon-Ra St. Brown
#1 WR 		Anaheim, California Mater Dei High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 191 lb (87 kg) February 7, 2018 (Signed) / January 6, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Palaie Gaoteote IV
#1 ILB 		Las Vegas, Nevada Bishop Gorman High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 235 lb (107 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / February 19, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
JT Daniels
#2 QB-Pro 		Santa Ana, California Mater Dei High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 205 lb (93 kg) February 7, 2018 (Signed) / July 30, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Olaijah Griffin
#3 CB 		Mission Viejo, California Mission Viejo High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 7, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Isaac Taylor-Stuart
#4 CB 		La Mesa, California Helix High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 187 lb (85 kg) February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 7, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Devon Williams
#6 WR 		Lancaster, California Antelope Valley High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 200 lb (91 kg) February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 7, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Solomon Tuliaupupu
#3 ILB 		Santa Ana, California Mater Dei High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 220 lb (100 kg) February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 7, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Talanoa Hufanga
#1 ATH S 		Corvallis, Oregon Crescent Valley High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 193 lb (88 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / December 29, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Justin Dedich
#3 C 		Temecula, California Chaparral High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 290 lb (130 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / June 20, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Chase Williams
#16 CB 		Corona, California Eleanor Roosevelt High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / December 20, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Raymond Scott
#8 OLB 		Harbor City, California Narbonne High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 220 lb (100 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / April 8, 2016 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Abdul-Malik McClain
#14 WDE 		San Juan Capistrano, California J Serra Catholic High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 230 lb (100 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / December 20, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Trevor Trout
#20 DT 		Saint Louis, Missouri Chaminade High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 315 lb (143 kg) February 7, 2018 (Signed) / November 19, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Markese Stepp
#12 TB 		Indianapolis, Indiana Cathedral High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 228 lb (103 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / December 17, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Kana'i Mauga
#21 OLB 		Waianae, Hawaii Waianae High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / June 24, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Caleb Tremblay
#5 DT (JuCo) 		Sacramento, California American River College 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 275 lb (125 kg) December 22, 2017 (Signed) / December 22, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Eli'Jah Winston
#21 ILB 		Portland, Oregon Central Catholic High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 233 lb (106 kg) February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 6, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Liam Douglass
#36 OT 		Studio City, California Harvard Westlake High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 273 lb (124 kg) December 20, 2017 (Signed) / June 19, 2017 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
John Jackson III
#95 WR 		Gardena, California Junipero Serra High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Walk-On / February 7, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Zach Wilson
WR 		Scottsdale, Arizona Saguaro High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 202 lb (92 kg) Walk-On / February 7, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Alex Stadthaus
#24 K 		Austin, Texas Vandegrift High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Walk-On / January 29, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Jac Casasante
#8 LS 		Los Angeles, California Loyola High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Walk-On / February 2, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN: N/A
Bernard Schirmer
OT 		Long Beach, California Mt. San Antonio College 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 270 lb (120 kg) Transfer / 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Jordan McMillan
S 		Los Angeles, California Loyola High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Walk-On / February 7, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Spencer Gilbert
ILB 		Bellflower, California St. John Bosco High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Walk-On / February 9, 2018 (Committed) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Howard Felder Jr.
TB 		Los Angeles, California Cathedral High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 235 lb (107 kg) Walk-On / 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Trevor Scully
QB 		La Jolla, California La Jolla High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Walk-On / 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
AJ Mageo
OT 		Mesa, Arizona Red Mountain High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 320 lb (150 kg) Walk-On / 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Mark Zuvich
C 		Laguna Hills, California Laguna Hills High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 260 lb (120 kg) Walk-On / 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Quincy Jountti
TB 		Bakersfield, California Sacramento State Hornets football 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Walk-On / 2018 (Transfer) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Matthew Hocum
WR 		Milwaukee, Wisconsin Marquette Golden Eagles 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Walk-On / 2017 (Transfer) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Isaac Franco
ILB 		Los Angeles, California Adams State Grizzlies 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 230 lb (100 kg) Walk-On / 2017 (Transfer) 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A    ESPN: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: –   247Sports: #4  ESPN: –
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2018 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.

Scholarship distribution chart

[edit]

redshirt year used / redshirt year eligible / * Former walk-on

– 85 scholarships permitted, 81 currently allotted to players

– 78 recruited players on scholarship (Three former walk-ons)

– OT Jalen McKenzie took an advanced scholarship or "blueshirt" limiting USC's class of 2018 to 24.

Projecting Scholarship Distribution 2018

2018 NFL Draft

[edit]

NFL Combine

[edit]
Main article: 2018 NFL draft

The official list of participants for the 2018 NFL Combine included USC football players WR Deontay Burnett, QB Sam Darnold, DE Rasheem Green, RB Ronald Jones II, WR Steven Mitchell Jr. & OLB Uchenna Nwosu.

Team players drafted into the NFL

[edit]
Player Position Round Pick NFL Team
Sam Darnold (Sophomore) Quarterback 1 3 New York Jets
Ronald Jones II (Junior) Tailback 2 38 (6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Uchenna Nwosu Linebacker 2 48 (I6) Los Angeles Chargers
Rasheem Green (Junior) Defensive end 3 79 (I5) Seattle Seahawks
Steven Mitchell Jr. Wide receiver UDFA – Los Angeles Rams
Deontay Burnett (Junior) Wide receiver UDFA – Tennessee Titans
Viane Talamaivao Offensive guard UDFA – Seattle Seahawks
Nico Falah Center UDFA – Tennessee Titans
Josh Fatu Defensive tackle UDFA – Detroit Lions
Chris Hawkins Safety UDFA – Seattle Seahawks

Schedule

[edit]
DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 11:00 p.m.UNLV*No. 15
P12NW 43–2158,708
September 85:30 p.m.at No. 10 StanfordNo. 17
FOXL 3–1742,856
September 155:00 p.m.at Texas*No. 22
FOXL 14–37103,507
September 217:30 p.m.Washington State
  • Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
  • Los Angeles, CA
ESPNW 39–3652,421
September 297:30 p.m.at Arizona
ESPN2W 24–2043,573
October 137:30 p.m.No. 19 Colorado
  • Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
  • Los Angeles, CA
FS1W 31–2057,615
October 205:00 p.m.at Utah
P12NL 28–4146,405
October 2712:30 p.m.Arizona State
  • Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
  • Los Angeles, CA
ABC/ESPN2L 35–3847,406
November 37:00 p.m.at Oregon State
FS1W 38–2135,187
November 107:30 p.m.California
  • Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
  • Los Angeles, CA
ESPNL 14–1556,721
November 1712:30 p.m.at UCLA
FOXL 27–3457,116
November 245:00 p.m.No. 3 Notre Dame*
ABCL 17–2459,821
  • *Non-conference game
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Pacific time

Game summaries

[edit]

UNLV

[edit]
See also: 2018 UNLV Rebels football team
UNLV Rebels at USC Trojans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rebels 7 7 0721
No. 15 Trojans 6 13 02443

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: September 1, 2018
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 80 °F (27 °C) • Weather: Clear Skies • Wind: Calm
  • Game attendance: 58,708
  • Referee: Kevin Mar
  • TV announcers (P12N): Ted Robinson, Yogi Roth and Jill Savage (sideline)
Game information

Stanford

[edit]
See also: 2018 Stanford Cardinal football team and Stanford–USC football rivalry
USC Trojans at Stanford Cardinal
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 17 Trojans 0 0 303
No. 10 Cardinal 7 7 3017

at Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California

  • Date: September 8, 2018
  • Game time: 5:30 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 42,856
  • TV: FOX
Game information

Texas

[edit]
See also: 2018 Texas Longhorns football team
No. 22 USC Trojans at Texas Longhorns
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 22 Trojans 14 0 0014
Longhorns 3 13 21037

at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

  • Date: September 15, 2018
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 103,507
Game information

Washington State

[edit]
See also: 2018 Washington State Cougars football team
Washington State Cougars at USC Trojans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cougars 3 21 6636
Trojans 7 10 71539

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: September 21, 2018
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C); clear skies
  • Game attendance: 52,421
  • Referee: Javarro Edwards
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, Tom Luginbill
Game information

Arizona

[edit]
See also: 2018 Arizona Wildcats football team
USC Trojans at Arizona Wildcats
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Trojans 7 10 7024
Wildcats 0 0 71320

at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona

  • Date: September 29, 2018
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Clear, 90 °F (32 °C)
  • Game attendance: 43,573
  • Referee: Steve Strimling
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Adam Amin (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst), Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter)
Game information

Colorado

[edit]
See also: 2018 Colorado Buffaloes football team
No. 19 Colorado Buffaloes at USC Trojans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 19 Buffaloes 0 7 01320
Trojans 0 21 7331

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: October 13, 2018
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 57,615
  • TV announcers (FS1): Joe Davis, Brady Quinn and Bruce Feldman
Game information

Utah

[edit]
See also: 2018 Utah Utes football team
USC Trojans at Utah Utes
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Trojans 14 0 01428
Utes 7 13 14741

at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Date: October 20, 2018
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 46,405
Game information

Arizona State

[edit]
See also: 2018 Arizona State Sun Devils football team
Arizona State Sun Devils at USC Trojans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Sun Devils 14 10 7738
Trojans 7 7 14735

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: October 27, 2018
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny with clear skies, 82 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 47,406
  • Referee: Chris Coyte
  • TV announcers (ABC/ESPN2): Adam Amin (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst), Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter)
Game information

Oregon State

[edit]
See also: 2018 Oregon State Beavers football team
USC Trojans at Oregon State Beavers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Trojans 7 14 71038
Beavers 0 14 7021

at Reser Stadium, Corvallis, Oregon

  • Date: November 3, 2018
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 35,187
  • TV: FS1
Game information

California

[edit]
See also: 2018 California Golden Bears football team
California Golden Bears at USC Trojans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Golden Bears 0 0 15015
Trojans 0 14 0014

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

Game information

UCLA

[edit]
See also: 2018 UCLA Bruins football team
USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Trojans 10 14 3027
Bruins 14 7 01334

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Game information

Notre Dame

[edit]
See also: 2018 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team and Notre Dame–USC football rivalry
No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 3 Fighting Irish 0 7 10724
Trojans 7 3 0717

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: November 24, 2018
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: Temperature: 65 F • Weather: clear skies • Wind: NNW 1 MPH
  • Game attendance: 59,821
  • Referee: David Epperley
  • TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Maria Taylor
Game information

Rankings

[edit]
Further information: 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP151722————RV————————
Coaches151221—RVRV—RV————————
CFPNot released——————Not released

Statistics

[edit]

Preseason

[edit]

Pac-12 Media Days

[edit]

Pac-12 media days are set for July 25, 2018, in Hollywood, California. Clay Helton (Head coach), Porter Gustin (OLB) & Cameron Smith (ILB) at Pac-12 media days. The Pac-12 media poll was released with the Trojans predicted to win the Pac-12 South division title.[4]

Media poll (South)
Predicted finish Team Votes (1st place)
1 USC 225 (22)
2 Utah 209 (14)
3 Arizona 178 (3)
4 UCLA 116 (2)
5 Colorado 80 (1)
6 Arizona State 72

Awards and honors

[edit]
Player Position Class Award Result (In Progress) Reference
Coaches
Clay Helton Head Coach – Dodd Trophy Watch list [5]
Offense
Stephen Carr Tailback Sophomore Doak Walker Award Watch list [6]
Maxwell Award [7]
Aca'Cedric Ware Tailback Senior Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch list
Vavae Malepeai Tailback Redshirt Sophomore Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch list [8]
Tyler Petite Tight end Senior John Mackey Award Watch list [9]
Jordan Austin Offensive guard Redshirt Senior Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee [10]
Toa Lobendahn Center Redshirt Senior Rimington Trophy Watch list [11]
Outland Trophy [12]
Polynesian College Football Player of the Year [8]
Defense
Brandon Pili Defensive tackle Sophomore Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch list [8]
Christian Rector Defensive end Redshirt Junior Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch list [13]
Ted Hendricks Award [14]
Porter Gustin Outside linebacker Senior Bednarik Award Watch list [15]
Butkus Award [16]
Lott Trophy [17]
Cameron Smith Inside linebacker Senior Bednarik Award Watch list [15]
Bronko Nagurski Trophy [13]
Butkus Award [16]
Lott Trophy [17]
Jordan Iosefa Linebacker Junior Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch list [8]
Iman Marshall Cornerback Senior Jim Thorpe Award Watch list [18]
Marvell Tell Safety Senior Bednarik Award Watch list [15]
Bronko Nagurski Trophy [13]
Jim Thorpe Award [18]
Special teams
Jake Olson Long snapper Redshirt Junior Wuerffel Trophy Watch list [19]

Awards and honors

[edit]

Midseason award watch lists

[edit]

Weekly awards

[edit]

Major award semifinalists

[edit]

Honors and Awards Source: 2018 Arizona Media Notes


Players drafted into the NFL

[edit]
See also: 2019 NFL draft
Round Pick Player Position NFL Club
3 92 Chuma Edoga OT New York Jets
4 127 Iman Marshall CB Baltimore Ravens
5 144 Marvell Tell S Indianapolis Colts
5 162 Cameron Smith LB Minnesota Vikings

Notes

[edit]
  • November 16, 2017 – USC's 2018 Football Schedule Announced.[20]
  • December 1, 2017 – No. 10 USC Beats No. 12 Stanford, 31–28 for Pac-12 Title.[21]
  • December 20, 2017 – USC Football Announces Early Signing Period 2018 Class.[22]
  • December 22, 2017 – Juco Defensive Lineman Caleb Tremblay Signs With USC.[23]
  • December 22, 2017 – No. 1 2019 QB recruit JT Daniels skipping senior year and enrolling at USC a year early.[24]
  • December 29, 2017 – No. 5 Ohio State Tops No. 8 USC 24–7 in Cotton Bowl Classic.[25]
  • December 29, 2017 – Defensive Back Talanoa Hufanga Signs With USC Football.[26]
  • January 3, 2018 – Sam Darnold Declares for 2018 NFL Draft.[27]
  • January 5, 2018 – USC Tailback Ronald Jones II Declares for NFL.[28]
  • January 5, 2018 – Porter Gustin reportedly set to return to USC Football for 2018 season.[29]
  • January 6, 2018 – Amon-Ra St. Brown commits to USC over Stanford, Notre Dame.[30]
  • January 8, 2018 – USC WR Deontay Burnett declares for 2018 NFL Draft.[31]
  • January 10, 2018 – Toa Lobendahn to return to USC Football for 2018 season.[32]
  • January 10, 2018 – Cameron Smith announces return to USC Football for 2018.[33]
  • January 11, 2018 – USC Football reportedly promote Bryan Ellis to quarterbacks coach.[34]
  • January 12, 2018 – Deland McCullough leaves USC Football for Kansas City Chiefs.[35]
  • January 12, 2018 – USC DB Iman Marshall will return to USC for the 2018 season.[36]
  • January 13, 2018 – USC DL Rasheem Green Declares for 2018 NFL Draft.[37]
  • January 18, 2018 – Ronnie Lott added to College Football Playoff Selection Committee.[38]
  • January 19, 2018 – Keary Colbert reportedly promoted to tight ends coach for USC Football.[39]
  • January 20, 2018 – Tee Martin gets multi-year extension to stay with USC Football.[40]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "California snaps 14-game skid vs USC with 15-14 victory". ESPN. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  2. ^ "Football vs California on 11/10/2018". Athletics at the University of Southern California. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  3. ^ "Kelley rushes for 289 yards, leads UCLA past USC 34-27". ESPN. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
  4. ^ "Washington picked as Pac-12 favorite in preseason media poll". July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.[dead link‍]
  5. ^ "Dodd Trophy Award presented by Peach Bowl, Inc".
  6. ^ "2021 Doak Walker Award Candidates - SMU".
  7. ^ "2018 Maxwell Award Watch List - Maxwell Football Club". Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d "Polynesian Football Hall of Fame".
  9. ^ "2018 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List Released" (PDF). July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  10. ^ "Allstate & AFCA Announce 2018 Good Works Team® Nominees". July 17, 2018.
  11. ^ "Rimington Trophy Press Release". May 30, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
  12. ^ "FWAA > News > Outland Trophy Watch List".
  13. ^ a b c "FWAA > News > Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List".
  14. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 14, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ^ a b c "2018 Bednarik Award Watch List - Maxwell Football Club". Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  16. ^ a b "2021 Collegiate Watchlist". Archived from the original on August 20, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
  17. ^ a b "2018 Lott Impact Trophy Watch List Candidates".
  18. ^ a b "Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Names 2018 Preseason Watchlist". July 23, 2018.
  19. ^ "WuerffelTrophy". Archived from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  20. ^ "USC's 2018 Football Schedule Announced". USC Trojans. November 16, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  21. ^ "No. 10 USC Beats No. 12 Stanford, 31–28 for Pac-12 Title". USC Trojans. December 1, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  22. ^ "USC Football Announces Early Signing Period 2018 Class". USC Trojans. December 20, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  23. ^ "Juco Defensive Lineman Caleb Tremblay Signs With USC". USC Trojans. December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  24. ^ "No. 1 2019 QB recruit JT Daniels skipping senior year and enrolling at USC a year early". SB Nation. December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  25. ^ "No. 5 Ohio State Tops No. 8 USC 24–7 in Cotton Bowl Classic". USC Trojans. December 29, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  26. ^ "Defensive Back Talanoa Hufanga Signs With USC Football". USC Trojans. December 29, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  27. ^ "Sam Darnold Declares for 2018 NFL Draft". USC Trojans. January 3, 2018. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  28. ^ "USC Tailback Ronald Jones II Declares for NFL". USC Trojans. January 5, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  29. ^ "Porter Gustin reportedly set to return to USC Football for 2018 season". Reign of Troy. January 5, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  30. ^ "Amon-Ra St. Brown commits to USC over Stanford, Notre Dame". Reign of Troy. January 6, 2018. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
  31. ^ "USC WR Deontay Burnett declares for 2018 NFL Draft". Reign of Troy. January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  32. ^ "Toa Lobendahn to return to USC Football for 2018 season". Reign of Troy. January 10, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  33. ^ "Cameron Smith announces return to USC Football for 2018". Reign of Troy. January 10, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  34. ^ "USC Football reportedly promote Bryan Ellis to quarterbacks coach". Reign of Troy. January 11, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  35. ^ "Deland McCullough leaves USC Football for Kansas City Chiefs". Reign of Troy. January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  36. ^ "USC DB Iman Marshall will return to USC for the 2018 season". USC Trojans. January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  37. ^ "USC DL Rasheem Green Declares for 2018 NFL Draft". USC Trojans. January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  38. ^ "Ronnie Lott added to College Football Playoff Selection Committee". Reign of Troy. January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  39. ^ "Keary Colbert reportedly promoted to tight ends coach for USC Football". Reign of Troy. January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  40. ^ "Tee Martin gets multi-year extension to stay with USC Football". Reign of Troy. January 20, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=2018_USC_Trojans_football_team&oldid=1247663239"