Freshman DE Wafle Ready to Lead the USC Trojans vs. Wisconsin

Freshman Defensive end Luke Wafle has worked his way onto the field as a starter for the USC Trojans (6-1), part of the talented freshman class of 2026 that was ranked No. 1 by 247 Sports.

At 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, Wafle has been productive for the Trojans this season, and is ready to lead the USC defense on the road at Wisconsin on Saturday.

Wafle has recorded 27 tackles and leads the team with six tackles for loss. In addition, he has two sacks to his credit.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Wafle spoke about the defensive priorities ahead of their matchup with the Badgers.

“Contain the quarterback, don't let him scramble,” said Wafle. “Our mentality is to not allow rushing touchdowns in the red zone. So those are two big ones I would say.”

Over their last two games, against Washington and Penn State, the USC defense has been dominant in that regard.

The Trojans have recorded seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss during their two-game winning streak.

Against Louisiana, Rutgers, and Oregon, the Trojans allowed a combined eight rushing touchdowns.

However, in their wins over Washington and Penn State, Wafle and the USC defense allowed just two rushing TDs.

Wafle recorded two tackles for loss and a sack against Washington, and collected one sack and one tackle for loss against the Nittany Lions.

On Wednesday, the young Wafle was recognized for his efforts by being named a Midseason True Freshman All-American by On3/Rivals, 247 Sports, and The Athletic.

Wafle’s other defensive stats are impressive, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF):

Cold weather is forecasted for the game at Wisconsin. Wafle, from Middletown, New Jersey, relishes that fact.

“Yeah, that's what I like to play in,” said Wafle. “I think it's catered more towards the defense because a lot of the offensive skill guys don't like getting hit in the cold, which I've been on the other side of it.”

This will be the coldest game that USC has played thus far. Wafle is ready for those conditions, on the road, and in a hostile environment.

“Our philosophy is you got to go take every game. “No one's going to give it to you at their home stadium. So, yeah, just go have the mentality to take every snap.”

Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph was contained by the UCLA defense in a 17-7 loss to the Bruins.

Joseph completed just six passes for 66 yards and no touchdowns. Further, he completed only 37.5 percent of his passes. Joseph gained 71 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Wafle and the USC defense will look to do the same against the Badgers.  

USC owns a 7-1 record against Wisconsin, and is 2-0 in games played in Madison, Wisconsin. The Trojans’ lone loss came in a 23-21 defeat in the 2015 Holiday Bowl.