USC Trojans Release First Depth Chart Ahead of Week 0

The USC Trojans have released their first official depth chart ahead of their season opener this Saturday against the San José State Spartans for Week 0. 

At first glance, a few names pop out of the white page. More specifically, four freshmen have earned a starting spot. 

Defensive end Luke Wafle, wide receivers Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon Wyatt, and tight end Mark Bowman. 

But the amount of freshman deeply reflects the words of head coach Lincoln Riley, as he has noted that he wants the freshman to gain valuable reps and get them up to speed for the first couple of weeks. 

Going down the list, as expected, Jayden Maiava is the starting quarterback, but the backup position has not yet been filled. Both Sam Huard and Jonas Williams are fighting for that spot. 

Running backs Waymond Jordan and King Miller are listed as OR in that category, but as expected, in that Week 0 matchup. Riley Wormley, Shahn Alston, and Deshonne Redeaux make up the rest of the room. 

In the wide receiver room, Trent Mosley is getting the starting nab in the slot ahead of Zacharyus Williams. Dixon-Wyatt is starting as well, ahead of Ethan "Boobie" Feaster, who will indeed receive snaps week after week. 

At the top of the receiver list, it is still a battle between Corey Simms and Tanook Hines. Hines was injured during fall camp with an unknown status of said injury. 

The overall offensive line is rounded out with a multitude of talent, including newly announced starting center Tobias Raymond, left tackle Elijah Paige, left guard Hayden Treter, right guard Alani Noa, and right tackle Justin Tauanuu. 

Defensively, Wafle is the starting defensive end, alongside Kameryn Crawford. Alex VanSumeren and Jide Abasiri round out the starting defensive tackles. 

The linebacker room is still shaping itself, as Desman Stephans II earns a starting spot, but Deven Bryant and Jadyn Walker are neck and neck. 

For the secondary, Jontez Williams highlights the group at cornerback, with Chasen Johnson and Elbert "Rock" Hill IV. The two starting safeties are Prophet Brown and Christian Pierce, with freshman Madden Riordan backing them up to provide position flexibility. 

In the nickle, it will be a rotation between Alex Graham and Kennedy Urlacher. 

Special teams has one major surprise in that Caden Chittenden wins the starting kicker job over Ryon Sayeri, who was the Trojans' starting kicker in 2025 with Chittenden down with injury. 

Sayeri will be kicking off in place, with Lachlan Carrigan as the starting punter. Dylan Black will be the starting snapper with Carrigan as the holder.