Top 5 USC football position battles to watch before Week 1
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 2:04 am
USC Football Faces Key Position Battles Ahead of 2025 Season
Los Angeles, CA - The USC Trojans football team is gearing up for a crucial 2025 season, with head coach Lincoln Riley facing pressure to deliver. While the program has seen a boost in optimism thanks to strong recruiting classes, several key position battles are heating up as the team prepares for its opening game against Missouri State on August 30th.
One area of focus is the offensive line, specifically the right tackle position. With Jayden Maiava expected to lead at quarterback, protecting him is paramount. The competition is between Tobias Raymond and Justin Tauanuu, with Riley noting that both players are performing well in camp.
The running back position is also unsettled. With Woody Marks departing for the NFL, the team is looking for a new RB1. Bryan Jackson, Eli Sanders, and Waymond Jordan are all vying for the spot, with Riley highlighting Jordan's development.
The safety room presents another challenge. While Kamari Ramsey is a returning starter, the other safety positions are up for grabs. Bishop Fitzgerald, a transfer from North Carolina State, brings ball-hawking skills to the team. Christian Pierce, who played in 13 games last season, and Kennedy Urlacher are also in the mix.
The cornerback position is also a concern, with a transfer expected to step up quickly. D.J. Harvey, a transfer from San Jose State, is expected to make an immediate impact. Additionally, Prophet Brown is aiming for the nickelback role.
Finally, the linebacker position needs a playmaker to pair with Eric Gentry. Desman Stephens II is earning praise, but Roman Marchetti, Garrison Madden, and Anthony Beavers Jr. are also in contention.
BNN's Perspective: The upcoming season will be a critical test for Coach Riley. While the team has talent, the success of these position battles will be crucial to the Trojans' performance. The competition for starting spots indicates a healthy team environment, but the pressure is on to solidify these positions and build a cohesive unit capable of contending for a championship.
Keywords: USC football, position battles, Lincoln Riley, right tackle, quarterback, running back, safety, cornerback, linebacker, Jayden Maiava, Tobias Raymond, Justin Tauanuu, Woody Marks, Bryan Jackson, Eli Sanders, Waymond Jordan, Kamari Ramsey, Bishop Fitzgerald, Christian Pierce, Kennedy Urlacher, D.J. Harvey, Prophet Brown, Eric Gentry, Desman Stephens II.