Which USC Trojans Freshmen Could Make an Impact on Lincoln Riley's Offense?

Five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet is extremely talented but the less USC fans see the Corona Centennial (Calif.) product in 2025, the better. It would mean redshirt junior Jayden Maiava has taken a big leap in his second season in the program. 

Backup quarterbacks typically don’t redshirt. He will more than likely play in the Trojans first two games against Missouri State and Georgia State. From there, it will be interesting to see if he does surpass the four-game limit, if Maiava remains the starter for the entire season.  

“Just a guy that is all ball, Husan loves football,”said offensive coordinator Luke Huard. “He’s a guy that’s in the office a lot. You love that element of him and he’s just a kid that absolutely loves and is always hungry to learn.” 

Running Back 

Harry Dalton, a high school quarterback, is a natural at the running back position. The four-star recruit is a decisive runner at 205 pounds. 

However, the room is stacked with Waymond Jordan, Eli Sanders and Jackson expected to be the team’s top three backs in the fall. Redshirt freshman King Miller is someone that should not be counted out in the rotation. 

“I think we have several people that have the opportunity to come out there and be extremely productive for us in the run game, as well as pass pro,” Huard said. “So you know, to be determined, wait and see, but we certainly have a lot of running backs that we feel like could go in the game when their number is called, and help us win football games and compete.”

Wide Receiver 

Corey Simms was on campus in the spring and drew strong reviews from players and coaches. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound St. Louis native has a college ready frame and would be the first freshman to be featured in the rotation. He will also contribute on special teams. 

Tanook Hines and Romero Ison are speedy wideouts, but appear headed for a redshirt season. 

Expect the Trojans to use more two tight end packages with McRee and Lyons in the fall, which would limit the number of receivers the Trojans decide to use in the rotation this season. 

Offensive Line 

Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Justin Tauanuu would be the first player to come in at either tackle position, but the Trojans need one of its freshman to step up and be part of the two-deep rotation. 

USC signed three offensive tackles in the 2025 class in Alex Payne, Aaron Dunn and Elijah Vaikona. Barring any significant injuries at the position, all three could end up redshirting.