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Inside the Trojans' Huddle: USC Trojans' X-Factors for the 2025 season

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney08/26/25ErikTMcKinney
USC Trojans' Huddle

The USC Trojans are set to kick off their 2025 season this Saturday at 4:30 in the Coliseum against the Missouri State Bears.

Before we get there, the WeAreSC panel went position-by-position in this week’s Inside the Trojans’ Huddle to talk X-Factors for each group that will be critical for USC this season.

The big names are known. Quarterback Jayden Maiava, wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. Safety Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry. But who are the other players, the key stats or decisions at each position that will make or break the 2025 season for the Trojans?

* At quarterback, is it as simple as the number of turnovers for Maiava? He committed seven total –including three interceptions returned for touchdowns — in the final four games of the season. That can’t continue, but are there other major notes at the quarterback spot for the Trojans?

* At running back, Woody Marks is gone but replaced by a group head coach Lincoln Riley feels is the best he’s had in his time at USC.

* The wide receiver spot has two potential superstars in Lemon and Lane. But what are the nuances at the position that will make it an overall strength for the Trojans?

* What becomes of the tight end position this season under Riley, who has utilized tight ends in the past and now has the most talented room he’s had at USC?

* Is the entire offensive line an X-Factor? How does this group shake out and what are the specific keys to watch this season?

* The panel goes stat-heavy in its defensive line discussion, with a few key numbers to watch for USC this year.

* Is linebacker the easiest position to determine the X-Factor? There’s a gigantic one that stands out.

* Outside of Kamari Ramsey, the USC secondary will experience a ton of turnover from last season. What will help create an edge there for the Trojans as they look to put together a standout defense at every level?

* Special teams will see some turnover as well, with a new kicker and punter. But there’s a big-time playmaker back in the return game.

* And lastly, they take a look at coaching and the X-Factor for Lincoln Riley this season, his fourth at USC.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz