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USC ran the coolest trick play against Illinois

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 3:23 PM ET

The USC Trojans went into their bag of tricks to run one of the neatest trick plays of the season during Saturday’s game against the Illinois Fighting Illini.

The Trojans pulled out the play early in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Il. while facing a 2nd and 17 deep within their own territory. The Trojans ran a direct snap to running back Waymond Jordan out of the wildcat, who faked a handoff to fellow back Eli Sanders.

Jordan then ran to his right and made a very late lateral to quarterback Jayden Maiava, who was able to find wide receiver Makai Lemon wide open downfield for what should have been a 75-yard touchdown.

One of the SICKEST Trick Plays I’ve ever seen!

Wildcat Zone Read Keep + Late Lateral Double Pass pic.twitter.com/3mekFnCcQN
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) September 27, 2025

Unfortunately, this play was nullified by a needless penalty. USC offensive lineman J’Onre Reed was flagged for ineligible man downfield, which wiped out the entire play.

USC wound up driving into Illinois territory on the drive, but failed to score as they turned the ball over on downs at the Fighting Illini 42. That wound up mattering in a game the Trojans ultimately lost 34-32 on a last-second field goal.

USC will not be happy to show off such a neat part of their playbook, only for it not to count. Still, with the exception of the penalty, coach Lincoln Riley can take solace in the fact that it worked to perfection. It might even be cooler than another trick play we saw earlier this season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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