Skip to main content
USC

USC running back King Miller named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney10/13/25ErikTMcKinney
USC running back King Miller runs for a touchdown against Michigan
USC running back King Miller runs for a touchdown against Michigan (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

USC running back King Miller was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his performance in the Trojans’ 31-13 win against the Michigan Wolverines.

The redshirt freshman walk-on stepped into the spotlight when USC’s top two backs — Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders — were lost to injury during the first half. Miller responded by rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts. It marked a career-high in rushing yards and according to USC, the 158 rushing yards are believed to be the most by a USC walk-on since at least the 1970s.

Michigan had given up just one 20-yard carry this season and Miller ripped off two carries of 40+ yards against the Wolverines. The 158 yards for Miller were the most by a USC running back against a ranked opponent since 2017, when Ronald Jones went for 194 against No. 23 Arizona.

This is the first Freshman of the Week honor given to a USC player this season and the first conference weekly award of any kind since quarterback Jayden Maiava was named Offensive Player of the Week after the Week 1 win against Missouri State.

Miller will be a focal point of the USC offense this coming week as the Trojans will travel to South Bend and take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish without Jordan and Sanders, who will remain out due to their injuries.

Despite just 29 carries this season, Miller ranks No. 17 in the Big Ten in rushing yards and his 10.7 yards-per-carry average ranks No. 1 in the conference and No. 2 nationally among players with at least 25 carries.

You may also like

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