YAY Or NAY: The USC Defense Is A Heavy Lift

USC defensive lineman Kobe Pepe looks to make a play during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

Evaluating whether USC's 2025 defense is a "heavy lift" depends on the context—whether you’re asking about the challenge of improving it, its physicality, or its potential performance. USC returns many of the guys from last season's improved defense, and they're returning bigger and heavier.

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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.