USC Defense Preview 2025: The Improved Trojans D Should Be Even Better

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2025 USC Preview
USC Offense Breakdown 
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season

- The pass rush. It has to be better and more consistent, but it gets back leading sacker Braylan Shelby - he only came up with three sacks - to go along with fantastic-looking sophomore Kameryn Fountain on on side. Anthony Lucas is back after missing half of the season hurt, but he’ll have to hold off top prospect Jahkeem Stewart.

The tackles are even better than the good end situation. Getting Keeshawn Silver (Kentucky) and Jamaal Jarrett (Georgia) loads up the interior, with Devan Thompkins and Jide Abrasiri good enough to start, depending on the alignment.

- The linebackers should be one of the team’s biggest strengths, even with the top two tacklers Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Mason Cobb done. Eric Gentry is back after missing most of last season hurt, and now the stats will come. Desman Stephens got a little bit of work in as a freshman - he’s too good to keep off the field.

- It’s a stronger USC defense up front, and the secondary should measure up. Kamari Ramsey is still the best player on the defense, and among the top safeties in the Big Ten, and the rest of the defensive backs got an upgrade thanks to the two new guys.

DJ Harvey (San Jose State) was a big corner signing coming off a 58-tackle, four-pick, seven tackle for loss season. Bishop Fitzgerald (NC State) was a monster safety over the last two years and should be a playmaker all over the field. 

Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season
2025 USC Preview
USC Offense Breakdown