Former USC Quarterback Paul McDonald Headed to USC's Hall of Fame

Former USC football quarterback Paul McDonald has been named to the 2027 class for the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.

McDonald played at USC from 1976-1979. While at USC McDonald played for legendary head coach John Robinson. During his time he won three Rose Bowls including the 1978 national championship.

McDonald never lost to rivals UCLA Bruins and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 

In 1979 McDonald finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting, losing it to his teammate Charles White. For context, White would leave USC as college football’s all-time leading rusher with 6,245 yards rushing in his career.

McDonald played during the golden era of USC football. Back then the game was a run based game and the offense went through the running back, versus the spread offenses of today that are more focused on the passing game.

In the 1978 Rose Bowl he completed 4-of-9 passes for 23 yards. Charles White ran for 99 yards on 32 carries. It was a much different game back then.

At White's funeral, McDonald stated that his main job as USC quarterback was to turn around and hand the ball to White.

McDonald played with some of the greatest Trojans of all-time. Other than White, McDonald broke the huddle with Marcus Allen, Anthony Munoz, Keith Van Horne and Roy Foster. He also played with Ronnie Lott and Dennis Smith.

During his senior season MsDonald was named team captain and team MVP. Amazing considering the talent he had around him.

McDonald was known as a come from behind clutch quarterback. Between 1978 and 1979 he engineered comeback wins against Notre Dame, UCLA, and the Washington Huskies. All considered tough teams back in the late 1970’s.

McDonald was drafted in the 4th round by the Cleveland Browns in 1980. He served primarily as a backup for six seasons.

In 1984 he started sixteen games for the Browns throwing for 3,472 yards and 14 touchdowns.

He finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys in 1986. His NFL career consisted of 85 games with 21 starts. He threw for 5,269 yards and 24 touchdown passes.

From 1998-2012 he served as the radio analyst for USC football. He was named the Best Radio Analyst by the Southern California Sportscasters Association on four occasions.

McDonald will be honored at halftime of the November 21 game against the Maryland Terrapins.

A formal banquet will be held on April 23 in Los Angeles to officially induct all 19 members of the USC 2027 class of the Athletic Hall of Fame.