USC Football Has the Best Freshman Receiver in the Nation Per PFF

USC Football’s Trent Mosley is the highest rated freshman wide receiver in the nation with a grade of 85.8 from Pro Football Focus.

Considering all of the attention that Mosley has received this season it makes sense that the multi-talented freshman is technically the best freshman wideout in the country.

Mosley has been named a Midseason All-American as an all purpose player. He was the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his performance against the Penn State Nittany Lions. The superstar is also a Jet Award Watchlist player, recognizing the top punt returner in the country. 

You can say that Mosley has been living the dream ever since his senior year at Santa Margarita High School.

Carson Palmer served as Mosley's head coach in high school guiding Santa Margarita to a state title.

Mosley was voted State Player of the year in California in 2025.

Mosley was an immediate starter since arriving on campus.

In his first three games as a Trojan the talented rookie logged 13 receptions for 255 yards. 

In the first game of the season Mosley racked up seven receptions for 118 yards and a score.

Against Fresno State he followed up with a four reception performance including two scores.

Against Louisiana he had a punt return for a touchdown that people will never forget.

So far his best performance might have been in front of the recording breaking 115,000 fans at Penn State.

Head coach Lincoln Riley schemed Mosley to the tune of nine receptions for 115 yards and a score. This was Mosley's first game back after missing three games with an injury.

For a young guy Mosley excels in route running. He is great at getting in and out of his breaks using great footwork. He doesn't have elite speed, but he is fast enough to get by a defender in coverage.

Mosley also excels with 50-50 balls winning when those opportunities arise.

On a side note, Mosley is not the only freshman wideout making noise for USC. Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is the other freshman receiver who has been a full-time starter for Riley throughout this season. Dixon-Wyatt leads the team in receiving with 32 receptions in 2026.

Mosley will be tested on Halloween night when the No.2 Ohio State Buckeyes come to the Coliseum.

Ohio State has the No.13 ranked pass defense in the nation and will be the toughest challenge that Riley's team has ever faced in the Coliseum.

Fortunately for USC, the Trojans are as healthy as they have been all year. They will not only need to beat Ohio State to stay in the playoff race, but the win will help Riley’s hot seat cool down a bit.

USC and Ohio State kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET.