Prophet Brown injury update: Lincoln Riley updates latest status of USC CB

The USC Trojans have gotten off to a hot start in 2025, with a 4-0 record and two wins to open up Big Ten play. Head coach Lincoln Riley has seen his team manage to do that without the help of defensive back Prophet Brown, who has been out to open the season.

Now, as the Trojans get ready for Week 5, Riley shared the latest in an injury update on Brown. He continues to progress, but it’s going to be some time still before he is likely to get back on the field this season.

“Getting better,” Lincoln Riley said. “Getting better. His return is not in the next several weeks, but it’s progressing. It’s frustrating for the kid, but he’s a great kid. He’s stayed in great spirits. It’s one of those things we definitely can’t rush. Going to err on the side of making sure he’s fully ready to go. Progressing as expected, but it’s just a slow process.”

USC has been without Prophet Brown for the entire 2025 season. He initially suffered a non-contact injury in August. At the time, it was something that Lincoln Riley described as, “kind of a unique situation.” At the time, it was clear that he would be out for at least the first part of the season. Still, there was some positivity that he’d be able to return. However, it was never made public what the injury was besides a non-contact issue.

Four games into the season, there is still plenty of time for Brown to return. However, USC does need to be careful with him. That’s led to some consideration regarding a medical redshirt, which Riley also addressed.

“It’s possible. It’s something we’re discussing from a strategy standpoint, if he was available at the end of the year and how does that play out,” Riley said. “But, the NCAA rules are a little unique that way, I guess I’ll say. You, potentially, may have a kid who has some tough decisions to make. Us too. So, it’s kind of probably putting the cart in front of the horse a little bit. We’ll see how it goes. Obviously, we’ve got to get him healthy first.”

Prophet Brown came to USC as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2021. He had been the 150th-ranked player nationally and the 10th-ranked running back in that recruiting cycle. Once getting to the team, he would transition into being a full-time defensive back, and, in 39 career games, he has 31 total tackles and two passes defended.

This season, USC is 89th nationally in passing defense, giving up 231 yards per game through the air. That’s contributed to being 53rd in scoring defense, giving up 20.3 points per game.

USC is set to begin a tough stretch on its schedule. This Saturday, they’ll be on the road to take on Illinois. From there, the Trojans will have a bye before they see Michigan, Notre Dame, and Nebraska.