RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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USC football has plenty of needs going into the 2026 college football season . Of course the wide receivers need to show something behind Tanook Hines. USC needs third and fourth pass catchers to give Jayden Maiava the help he needs. Of course USC's secondary has to be better in 2026. Kamari Ramsey missing the Illinois game turned out to be a season-defining event in 2025, and Prophet Brown's injury loomed large. That unit must improve. Yet, the most important USC position group for 2026 seems obvious: the defensive line.
Top opponents were able to run on USC last season. Top Big Ten foes were able to throw on USC when it really mattered. Illinois kept the ball away from Jayden Maiava. Oregon scored 42 points against the Trojans . Notre Dame was able to ram the ball down USC's throat even with quarterback CJ Carr struggling. That's how (and why) USC missed the College Football Playoff.
USC did not have a consistent pass rush last season. Not being able to get home with the base front four against the crop of 2026 Big Ten quarterbacks will likely result in a failed season for the Trojans, defined as "9-3 or worse." The goal for the season is at least 10-2, and that goal just won't be reached if this defensive line isn't significantly better. As said above, the secondary will certainly be important, but if the defensive line doesn't rush the passer, the secondary is going to get hung out to dry. On the other hand, if the defensive line plays in beast mode, the secondary will gain crucial relief and will become much less of a question mark.
USC's defensive line has to step up more than any other position group. That shouldn't really be up for debate heading into the defining year of Lincoln Riley's tenure in Los Angeles.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC defensive line is clearly Trojans' most important position group
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