Lincoln Riley sets expectations for USC defense in Year 2 of D'Anton Lynn

USC‘s defense took a massive leap forward during defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn‘s first year with the program last season. Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley expects Lynn to lead USC’s defense to even greater heights in the upcoming season.

“Coach Lynn and our defensive staff did a tremendous job last year,” Riley told ESPN’s Greg McElroy. “Our players, like you said, to make that type of jump, you can talk about it all offseason and hire whoever you want, but to actually to go do it on the field, to go prove it, is another thing. And they did a tremendous job.

“In Year 2, we got two reasons to be very optimistic. One is exactly what you said. The schemes, it’s not new install. There’s a confidence that’s been built up systematically here that I think is important both both systematically and just the mentality and the way that you play and the expectations and the standard defensively at USC.

“The second part of it is that talent is continuing to rise, especially on the defensive front. We all know, obviously, how important that is and this defensive front this year is just — frankly, it’s going to look a lot different. There’s more talent, there is more depth. It is trending in a way that’s very exciting to everybody that follows the Trojans.”

USC allowed 377.1 yards per game last season, the 77th-least in the country. While the Trojans were far from lock-down, their defense was still far better than in the 2023 campaign when they gave up 432.8 yards per game, ranking No. 119 in the country.

As Riley mentioned, USC’s defense shouldn’t have a shortage of talent next season. Cornerback Jaylin Smith was the only defensive player USC lost in the NFL Draft this offseason. USC also lost four defensive players, who signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents, but they should be able to replace the talent.

The Trojans brought in 15 players via the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason. The group is highlighted by defensive standouts such as former Kentucky defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver and former San Jose State cornerback DJ Harvey.

To pile on, USC is returning several starters, including safety Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry, who will already be familiar with Lynn’s defensive system.

After posting USC’s worst record yet under Lincoln Riley last season, the Trojans will be playing for redemption in the 2025 campaign. D’Anton Lynn will play a key part in USC achieving its goals.