Latest news with #USCfootball
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
USC football countdown to kickoff—Leon McQuay III in focus
The countdown to USC's 2025 football season is officially on! The Trojans kick off their new campaign 22 days from today. You need something to help you while away the days and hours in the spring and summer. This is one way to do so. In this new series, countdown to kickoff, we will be counting down the days by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number. Today, we look at former USC safety Leon McQuay III. Position: Safety Years played at USC: 2013-2016 Career highlights: McQuay saw significant playing time his first three seasons at USC, before emerging as a full-time starter as a senior in 2016. That year, he recorded 50 total tackles, six passes defended, two interceptions, and a sack. McQuay saved by far his biggest moment as a Trojan for last. With under a minute remaining in the 2017 Rose Bowl—his final college football game—USC and Penn State were tied at 49. McQuay intercepted a pass by Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley and returned it 32 yards, setting up the Trojans for the game-winning field goal to cap off an instant classic victory. After USC: The Kansas City Chiefs selected McQuay in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent the next two years with the organization, splitting time between the active roster and the practice squad. McQuay appeared in one regular season game with Kansas City, recording three tackles and one pass defended. McQuay is the grandson of Leon McQuay, who played running back in both the NFL and the Canadian Football League during the 1970s. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football countdown to kickoff recalls Trojans safety Leon McQuay
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Makai Lemon named to 2025 Biletnikoff Award watch list
There is no doubt that USC football star Makai Lemon is one of the most electrifying receivers in college football. Given his production last year, expectations are getting even higher for him. Lemon last year put up great numbers without constant stability at the USC quarterback position. He used his versatility to make big plays for the Trojans every Saturday. Last season Lemon led the Trojans in receptions (52) and receiving yards (764). His big play ability was not limited to just the offensive side of the ball. He was also a reliable threat in the return game. Makai Lemon fielded 19 kick returns for 514 yards, with his longest return reaching 80 yards, solidifying him as the sixth-best kick returner in the country. Makai Lemon was named to the 2025 Biletnikoff Award watch list. He can also be a candidate for the Paul Hornung Award in 2025. It could be a really special season filled with accolades and success. Lemon wants to establish himself as a first round receiver in next year's NFL draft. Makai Lemon has the talent to be great. With an offseason full of building chemistry with starting quarterback Jayden Maiva and Ja'Kobi Lane -- another talented receiver on the opposite side of the field -- last season's impressive stats should only be the beginning for what Lemon will do in his career. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football's Makai Lemon is recognized as one of best receivers
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
247Sports analyst evaluates USC offensive line commit Breck Kolojay
On Friday, USC football picked up yet another high-profile commitment, landing four-star offensive lineman Breck Kolojay. The Trojans' 2026 recruiting class continues to grow, and remains ranked as the No. 1 class in the country by Rivals. What can USC fans expect from Kolojay? 247Sports director of recruiting Andrew Ivins gave a detailed evaluation of the lineman. 'He's ready to go," Ivins said. "In terms of size pushing 6-foot-6, 300-plus pounds. And IMG has such a strong history of offensive linemen that have gone on to make an impact not only on Saturdays, but Sundays. 'I think he could play four or five different spots on the line. I think he's better on the inside, and he could possibly play center considering his high football IQ. But again, 6-foot-6, 310 pounds plus and he moves well, so he could get a shot playing anywhere. 'The other thing that stands out is that USC goes into a place they haven't been able to get many players and now land two top offensive linemen. And look at the national title game. All five starters up front for Notre Dame and Ohio State were all kids they signed out of high school. USC is taking seven high school offensive linemen in this class.' Offensive line tends to be a fairly developmental position—it is fairly rare for guys to come in and be ready to play the position at the college level right away. But based on Ivins's scouting report, once Kolojay is able to make that adjustment, he has the potential to become an elite player at the position for the Trojans. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: 247Sports evaluates USC football offensive line commit Breck Kolojay
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USC football countdown to kickoff—Vavae Malepeai in focus
The countdown to USC's 2025 football season is officially on! The Trojans kick off their new campaign 29 days from today. You need something to help you while away the days and hours in the spring and summer. This is one way to do so. In this new series, countdown to kickoff, we will be counting down the days by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number. Today, we look at former USC running back Vavae Malepeai. Position: Running back Years played at USC: 2016-2021 Career highlights: Although never the flashiest running back, Malepeai was Mr. Consistent for USC. After redshirting in 2016 and serving in a backup role in 2017, Malepeai was one of the Trojans' two primary backs for each of the past two seasons. In 2018, 2019, and 2021, he finished with over 500 rushing yards and at least six touchdowns. Malepeai wore number 29 for his first five years at USC, before switching to number six for his final season in 2021. After USC: Since 2023, Malepeai has been an offensive quality control analyst at Stanford. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football countdown to kickoff recalls Trojans RB Vavae Malepeai
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USC football countdown to kickoff continues: Butch Lewis in focus
The countdown to USC's 2025 football season is officially on! The Trojans kick off their new campaign 68 days from today. You need something to help you while away the days and hours in the spring and summer. This is one way to do so. In this new series, countdown to kickoff, we will be counting down the days by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number. The options for No. 68 are rather limited, but today, we take a look at former USC offensive lineman Butch Lewis. Position: Offensive line Advertisement Years played at USC: 2006-2010 Career highlights: Although his USC career was somewhat limited by injuries, Lewis played a sizable role for the Trojans on the offensive line. After redshirting as a true freshman in 2006, Lewis worked his way into the rotation in 2007 and remained there for the next four years. He made double-digit starts during his time at USC, primarily playing offensive guard but also working in some at tackle. After USC: Lewis was not selected in the 2011 NFL Draft. He briefly signed with the Minnesota Vikings, but did not make the team's roster. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football countdown to kickoff recalls Trojan O-lineman Butch Lewis
