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USC Injury Report: Trojans out and questionable against Illinois

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney09/27/25ErikTMcKinney
USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane
USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (Erik McKinney/WeAreSC)

The pregame Big Ten Availability report ahead of the USC Trojans taking on the Illinois Fighting Illini is out and we have the list and key takeaways from the Trojans listed.

USC players “out” for today:

Wide receiver Zacharyus Williams
Defensive back Prophet Brown
Defensive back Alex Graham
Kicker Caden Chittenden
Running back Bryan Jackson
Running back Harry Dalton III
Linebacker Matai Tagoa’i

USC players “Out for season”:

Cornerback Chasen Johnson

USC players “Questionable:”

Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane
Offensive lineman Elijah Paige

Notes and takeaways

Lane and Paige are the big names here as the Trojans could be without their starting left tackle and an explosive receiver. USC played without Lane against Michigan State last week as fellow receiver Makai Lemon had a big showing and the ground game got it done for the Trojans. They also played without Paige for the second have and most of the second quarter as he appeared to suffer an injury while blocking for a Trojans’ extra point.

Not having either would be a sizeable hit to the USC offense, but there should be enough depth to cover. After Paige left the Michigan State game, USC moved Justin Tauanuu from right tackle to left tackle, shifted Tobias Raymond from left guard to right tackle, and brought Micah Banuelos off the bench and in at left guard.

Wide receiver Zach Williams will miss another game after suffering an injury late in the Trojans’ Week 2 game against Georgia Southern. He was wearing a sling while watching the Michigan State game last week but did not have that on during the week.

USC is still without defensive backs Prophet Brown and Alex Graham, who suffered fall camp injuries. Brown is still weeks away, at least, from returning while Graham is seemingly targeting a return during or after the bye week. Both would be options at nickel if healthy. With them out, USC has gone with safety Kamari Ramsey in that spot and he’ll be there again against Illinois.


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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