2018 USC Trojans football team

The 2018 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and competed as members of the South Division of the Pac-12 Conference. They were led by third-year head coach Clay Helton.

2018 USC Trojans football
Conference	Pac-12 Conference
Division	South Division
Record	5–7 (4–5 Pac-12)
Head coach	Clay Helton (3rd season)
Offensive coordinator	Tee Martin (4th season)
Offensive scheme	Multiple
Defensive coordinator	Clancy Pendergast (4th season)
Base defense	5–2
Captain	4 Toa Lobendahn Porter Gustin Cameron Smith Marvell Tell III
Home stadium	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Seasons ← 2017 2019 →

2018 Pac-12 Conference football standings

v t e	Conf.							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
North Division
No. 13 Washington xy$		7	–	2					10	–	4
No. 10 Washington State x		7	–	2					11	–	2
Stanford		6	–	3					9	–	4
Oregon		5	–	4					9	–	4
California		4	–	5					7	–	6
Oregon State		1	–	8					2	–	10
South Division
Utah xy		6	–	3					9	–	5
Arizona State		5	–	4					7	–	6
USC		4	–	5					5	–	7
Arizona		4	–	5					5	–	7
UCLA		3	–	6					3	–	9
Colorado		2	–	7					5	–	7
Championship: Washington 10, Utah 3
$ – Conference champion x – Division champion/co-champions y – Championship game participant Rankings from AP Poll

Despite being ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll's preseason rankings, the Trojans finished the season 5–7, the program's first losing record since 2000 and missed a bowl game for the first time since that year (The 2010 and 2011 teams were banned from postseason play due to NCAA sanctions.) USC lost to both of its major rivals, UCLA and Notre Dame, in the same season for the first time since 2013, and it also lost to all other California Pac-12 schools (UCLA, California, and Stanford) in the same season for the first time since 1996. The team went 4–5 in Pac-12 play, tying Arizona for third place in the Pac-12 South Division.

On November 25, USC athletic director Lynn Swann announced that head coach Clay Helton would return in 2019 despite the disappointing season.

Personnel

Coaching staff

Name	Position	Seasons at USC	Alma mater	Before USC
Clay Helton	Head coach	8	Houston (1994)	Memphis – Offensive coordinator (2009)
John Baxter	Special teams coordinator	7	Iowa State (1987)	Michigan – Special teams coordinator (2015)
Ronnie Bradford	Secondary coach	3	Colorado (1995)	LA Tech – Defensive backs coach / special teams coordinator (2015)
Keary Colbert	Tight ends coach / inside receivers coach	4	USC (2006)	Alabama – Offensive analyst (2015)
Tim Drevno	Tailbacks coach / offensive line coach / running game coordinator / pass protection coordinator	2	Cal State Fullerton (1992)	Michigan – Offensive coordinator / offensive line coach (2015)
Bryan Ellis	Quarterbacks coach	2	UAB (2011)	Western Kentucky – Wide receivers coach (2015)
Tee Martin	Offensive coordinator / wide receivers coach	7	Tennessee (2004)	Kentucky – Wide receivers coach (2011)
Johnny Nansen	Linebackers coach / recruiting coordinator / assistant head coach	5	Washington State (1997)	Washington – Special teams coordinator / Tailbacks coach (2013)
Clancy Pendergast	Defensive coordinator	5	Arizona (1990)	San Francisco 49ers – Linebackers coach (2015)
Kenechi Udeze	Defensive line coach	4	USC (2010)	Pittsburgh – Assistant strength and conditioning coach (2014)
Ivan Lewis	Head strength and conditioning coach	5	San Diego (2003)	Washington – Head strength & conditioning coach (2013)
Prentice Gill	Offensive graduate assistant – Wide receivers	4	Old Dominion (2012)	San Jose State – Graduate assistant (defensive backs) (2015)
Trevor Guyton	Defensive graduate assistant – Defensive line	1	California (2013)	Saskatchewan Roughriders – Defensive line (2014)
Michael Hutchings	Defensive graduate assistant – Linebackers	1	USC (2017)	USC – Inside linebacker (2016)
Dane Stevens	Offensive graduate assistant – Tight ends	2	USC (2016)	USC – Student assistant coach (2016)

Roster

2018 USC Trojans Football roster
Quarterback  4 Trevor Scully – Freshman (5′11, 170) 10 Jack Sears – Freshman (6′3, 205) 13 Brandon Perdue – Freshman (6′4, 215) 16 Holden Thomas – Sophomore (6′6, 200) 18 JT Daniels – Freshman (6′3, 210) 19 Matt Fink – Sophomore (6′3, 200) Tailback  7 Stephen Carr – Sophomore (6′0, 205) 28 Aca'Cedric Ware – Senior (6′0, 205) 29 Vavae Malepeai – Sophomore (6′0, 215) 30 Markese Stepp – Freshman (6′0, 230) 37 Ben Easington – Freshman (5′10, 205) 38 Chris Edmondson – Sophomore (5′9, 195) 39 Howard Felder Jr. – Freshman (6′0, 235) 40 Quincy Jountti – Junior (5′10, 205) Wide receiver  1 Velus Jones Jr. – Sophomore (6′0, 190)  2 Devon Williams – Freshman (6′4, 205)  6 Michael Pittman Jr. – Junior (6′4, 215)  8 Amon-Ra St. Brown – Freshman (6′1, 195) 13 Trevon Sidney – Sophomore (5′11, 170) 17 Josh Imatorbhebhe – Sophomore (6′2, 215) 21 Tyler Vaughns – Sophomore (6′2, 185) 24 Jake Russell – Junior (5′11, 175) 26 Zach Wilson – Freshman (6′1, 200) 34 Matt Nyman – Freshman (6′2, 190) 36 Jack Webster – Freshman (6′0, 185) 44 Matthew Hocum – Junior (5′10, 180) 85 Keyshawn 'Pie' Young – Sophomore (5′11, 170) 87 Randal Grimes – Sophomore (6′4, 205) - John Jackson III – Freshman (6′1, 180) Tight end 41 Chris Caulk – Sophomore (6′3, 210) 82 Tyler Petite – Senior (6′4, 250) 83 Josh Falo – Sophomore (6′6, 230) 84 Erik Krommenhoek – Sophomore (6′5, 255) 88 Daniel Imatorbhebhe – Junior (6′3, 240) 89 Austin Applebee – Senior (6′6, 250) Placekicker 15 Thomas Fitts – Junior (6′1, 200) 38 Alex Stadthaus – Freshman (6′2, 195) 40 Chase McGrath – Sophomore (6′0, 195) 49 Michael Brown – Sophomore (6′1, 195)		Offensive Lineman 50 Toa Lobendahn – C-OT – Senior (6′3, 295) 51 Bernard Schirmer – OT – Sophomore (6′6, 290) 52 Jacob Daniel – OG – Junior (6′4, 315) 54 Jalen McKenzie – OT – Freshman (6′5, 310) 56 Jordan Austin – OG – Senior (6′5, 290) 57 Justin Dedich – C – Freshman (6′2, 290) 62 Brett Neilon – C – Freshman (6′2, 295) 64 AJ Mageo – OT – Freshman (6′5, 320) 65 Frank Martin II – OG – Sophomore (6′4, 300) 67 Mark Zuvich – C – Freshman (6′3, 260) 68 Liam Douglass – OT – Freshman (6′5, 290) 70 Chuma Edoga – OT – Senior (6′4, 295) 72 Andrew Vorhees – OG-OT – Sophomore (6′6, 315) 73 Austin Jackson – OT – Sophomore (6′6, 305) 75 Alijah Vera-Tucker – OG-OT – Freshman (6′4, 310) 76 Clayton Bradley – OT – Junior (6′5, 295) 77 Chris Brown – OG – Senior (6′5, 310) Defensive line 44 Malik Dorton – Senior (6′2, 280) 51 Marlon Tuipulotu – Freshman (6′3, 305) 78 Jay Tufele – Freshman (6′3, 310) 89 Christian Rector – Junior (6′4, 275) 90 Connor Murphy – Junior (6′7, 260) 91 Brandon Pili – Sophomore (6′4, 325) 93 Liam Jimmons – Sophomore (6′4, 290) 95 Trevor Trout – Freshman (6′4, 310) 96 Caleb Tremblay – Junior (6′5, 270) 97 Jacob Lichtenstein – Freshman (6′5, 270) Outside Linebacker 26 Kana'i Mauga – Freshman (6′2, 240) 31 Hunter Echols – Freshman (6′5, 240) 34 Eli'Jah Winston – Freshman (6′3, 235) 41 Juliano Falaniko – Sophomore (6′4, 230) 42 Abdul-Malik McClain – Freshman (6′4, 240) 45 Porter Gustin – Senior (6′5, 260) 46 Grant Jones – Sophomore (6′2, 220) (+ILB) 48 Peter Esparza – Freshman (6′1, 205) 56 Jordan Iosefa – Junior (6′2, 230) (+ILB) 99 Oluwole Betiku Jr. – Junior (6′3, 240) Long snappers 39 Jac Casasante – Freshman (6′0, 210) 59 Damon Johnson – Sophomore (6′0, 205) 61 Jake Olson – Junior (6′3, 225)		Inside Linebacker  1 Palaie Gaoteote IV – Freshman (6′2, 250) 10 John Houston Jr. – Junior (6′3, 220) 13 Vi Jones – Sophomore (6′3, 220) (+OLB) 18 Raymond Scott – Freshman (6′2, 230) 35 Cameron Smith – Senior (6′2, 250) 47 Reuben Peters – Senior (6′0, 230) (+FB) 49 Matt Bayle – Junior (6′0, 215) 52 Spencer Gilbert – Freshman (6′0, 220) 53 Bryce Matthews – Freshman (6′3, 225) 54 Tayler Katoa – Freshman (6′2, 230) 58 Solomon Tuliaupupu – Freshman (6′3, 240) 59 Isaac Franco – Senior (6′1, 230) Cornerback  4 Olaijah Griffin – Freshman (6′0, 180)  6 Isaac Taylor-Stuart – Freshman (6′2, 295)  8 Iman Marshall – Senior (6′1, 205)  9 Greg Johnson – Freshman (5′11, 190) 16 Dominic Davis – Junior (5′9, 190) (+TB) 17 Chase Williams – Freshman (6′2, 190) 23 Jonathan Lockett – Senior (5′11, 180) 24 Isaiah Langley – Senior (6′0, 175) 27 Ajene Harris – Senior (5′10, 185) Safety  7 Marvell Tell – Senior (6′2, 195) 15 Talanoa Hufanga – Freshman (6′1, 215) 21 Isaiah Pola-Mao – Freshman (6′4, 200) 28 C.J. Pollard – Sophomore (6′1, 190) 30 Jordan McMillan – Freshman (5′11, 200) 31 Richard Hagestad – Sophomore (6′1, 195) 37 Davonte Nunnery – Senior (5′10, 210) Punter 36 Chris Tilbey – Senior (6′5, 210) 46 Reid Budrovich – Senior (5′11, 185) 47 James Bermingham Jr. – Senior (6′4, 185) Holder 81 Wyatt Schmidt – Senior (6′3, 205) (+SNP)
2018 USC Spring Football Roster (03/06/2018)

Returning starters

USC returns 31 starters in 2018, including 11 on offense, 13 on defense, and 5 on special teams.

Key departures include Sam Darnold (QB – 14 games), Ronald Jones II (TB – 13 games), Deontay Burnett (WR – 12 games), Steven Mitchell (WR – 7 games), Jalen Greene (WR – 5 games), Viane Talamaivao (OG – 5 games), Nico Falah (C – 14 games), Rasheem Green(DE/DT – 14 games), Josh Fatu (DT – 12 games), Uchenna Nwosu (OLB – 14 games), Jack Jones (CB – 13 games), Chris Hawkins (S – 14 games), Ykili Ross (S – 2 games).

Other departures include James Toland IV (TB), Matt Lopes (S).

Offense (11) Player Class Position Games started Stephen Carr Sophomore Tailback 1 game Tyler Vaughns Sophomore Wide receiver 10 games Michael Pittman Jr. Junior Wide receiver 6 games Tyler Petite Senior Tight end 11 games Daniel Imatorbhebhe Junior Tight end 4 games Erik Krommenhoek Sophomore Tight end 1 game Toa Lobendahn Senior Offensive tackle 13 games Chuma Edoga Senior Offensive tackle 12 games Chris Brown Senior Offensive guard 14 games Andrew Vorhees Sophomore Offensive guard 9 games Clayton Bradley Junior Offensive tackle 3 games

Defense (13) Player Class Position Games started Christian Rector Junior Defensive line 5 games Malik Dorton Senior Defensive tackle 3 games Brandon Pili Sophomore Defensive tackle 2 games Marlon Tuipulotu Freshman Defensive tackle 1 game Porter Gustin Senior Outside linebacker 2 games Connor Murphy Junior Outside linebacker 1 game Cameron Smith Senior Inside linebacker 13 games John Houston Jr. Junior Inside linebacker 12 games Jordan Iosefa Junior Linebacker 7 games Iman Marshall Senior Cornerback 11 games Ajene Harris Senior Cornerback 10 games Isaiah Langley Senior Cornerback 4 games Marvell Tell Senior Safety 14 games

Special teams (5) Player Class Position Games started Reid Budrovich Senior Punter 14 games Wyatt Schmidt Senior Holder 13 games Chase McGrath Sophomore Kicker 13 games Damon Johnson Sophomore Long snapper 12 games Michael Brown Sophomore Kicker 2 games

Transfers

The Trojans lost 5 players due to transfer.

Name	Number	Pos.	Height	Weight	Year	Hometown	Transfer to
Jalen Greene	#10	WR	6'2	200	Senior	Inglewood, CA	Utah State
Jamel Cook	#21	S	6'4	190	Sophomore	Miami, FL	South Carolina
Olajuwon Tucker	#34	LB	6'2	220	Senior	Harbor City, CA	–
Roy Hemsley	#63	OG	6'5	315	Junior	Los Angeles, CA	Arizona State
Je'Quari Godfrey	#22	CB	6'2	185	Freshman	Oakland, CA	-

Depth chart

Defense FS Marvell Tell Chase Williams Davonte Nunnery WLB SLB John Houston Jr. Cameron Smith Levi Jones Palaie Gaoteote IV Raymond Scott Reuben Peters SS Talanoa Hufanga C.J. Pollard Richard Hagestad CB Iman Marshall Ajene Harris Isaiah Langley OLB DT NT DT DE Jordan Iosefa Malik Dorton Brandon Pili Christian Rector Porter Gustin Kana'i Mauga Jay Tufele Marlon Tuipulotu Caleb Tremblay Hunter Echols Juliano Falaniko Jacob Lichtenstein Liam Jimmons Connor Murphy Eli'jah Winston CB Greg Johnson Olaijah Griffin Jonathan Lockett Offense WR Tyler Vaughns Amon-Ra St. Brown Randal Grimes WR Michael Pittman Jr. Devon Williams Josh Imatorbhebhe LT LG C RG RT Austin Jackson Chris Brown Toa Lobendahn Andrew Vorhees Chuma Edoga Clayton Bradley Jordan Austin Brett Neilon Alijah Vera-Tucker Jalen McKenzie Bernard Schirmer Jacob Daniel Justin Dedich Frank Martin II Liam Douglass TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe Tyler Petite Josh Falo WR Velus Jones Jr. Trevon Sidney Keyshawn 'Pie' Young QB JT Daniels Matt Fink Jack Sears Key reserves Offense - Markese Stepp – TB - Erik Krommenhoek – TE Defense - Trevor Trout – DT - Oluwole Betiku Jr. – OLB - Abdul-Malik McClain – OLB - Solomon Tuliaupupu – ILB - Isaac Taylor-Stuart – CB - Dominic Davis – CB Out Out (Season) - Isaiah Pola-Mao – S - Chase McGrath – K Out (Indefinitely) - Tayler Katoa – ILB RB Aca'Cedric Ware Stephen Carr Vavae Malepeai Special teams PK Michael Brown (FG & PAT) PK Alex Stadthaus (KO) P Reid Budrovich P Chris Tilbey KR Velus Jones Jr. & Stephen Carr PR Amon-Ra St. Brown LS Damon Johnson H Wyatt Schmidt

• Depth Chart 2018

True Freshman
Double Position : *

Recruiting class

College recruiting information (2018)
Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	Commit date
Amon-Ra St. Brown #1 WR	Anaheim, California	Mater Dei High School	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	191 lb (87 kg)	February 7, 2018 (Signed) / January 6, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Palaie Gaoteote IV #1 ILB	Las Vegas, Nevada	Bishop Gorman High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / February 19, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
JT Daniels #2 QB-Pro	Santa Ana, California	Mater Dei High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	February 7, 2018 (Signed) / July 30, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Olaijah Griffin #3 CB	Mission Viejo, California	Mission Viejo High School	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 7, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Isaac Taylor-Stuart #4 CB	La Mesa, California	Helix High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	187 lb (85 kg)	February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 7, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Devon Williams #6 WR	Lancaster, California	Antelope Valley High School	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 7, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Solomon Tuliaupupu #3 ILB	Santa Ana, California	Mater Dei High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 7, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Talanoa Hufanga #1 ATH S	Corvallis, Oregon	Crescent Valley High School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	193 lb (88 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / December 29, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Justin Dedich #3 C	Temecula, California	Chaparral High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	290 lb (130 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / June 20, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Chase Williams #16 CB	Corona, California	Eleanor Roosevelt High School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / December 20, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Raymond Scott #8 OLB	Harbor City, California	Narbonne High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / April 8, 2016 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Abdul-Malik McClain #14 WDE	San Juan Capistrano, California	J Serra Catholic High School	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / December 20, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Trevor Trout #20 DT	Saint Louis, Missouri	Chaminade High School	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	315 lb (143 kg)	February 7, 2018 (Signed) / November 19, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Markese Stepp #12 TB	Indianapolis, Indiana	Cathedral High School	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	228 lb (103 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / December 17, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Kana'i Mauga #21 OLB	Waianae, Hawaii	Waianae High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / June 24, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Caleb Tremblay #5 DT (JuCo)	Sacramento, California	American River College	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	275 lb (125 kg)	December 22, 2017 (Signed) / December 22, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Eli'Jah Winston #21 ILB	Portland, Oregon	Central Catholic High School	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	233 lb (106 kg)	February 7, 2018 (Signed) / February 6, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Liam Douglass #36 OT	Studio City, California	Harvard Westlake High School	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	273 lb (124 kg)	December 20, 2017 (Signed) / June 19, 2017 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
John Jackson III #95 WR	Gardena, California	Junipero Serra High School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	Walk-On / February 7, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Zach Wilson WR	Scottsdale, Arizona	Saguaro High School	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	202 lb (92 kg)	Walk-On / February 7, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Alex Stadthaus #24 K	Austin, Texas	Vandegrift High School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	Walk-On / January 29, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Jac Casasante #8 LS	Los Angeles, California	Loyola High School	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	Walk-On / February 2, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Bernard Schirmer OT	Long Beach, California	Mt. San Antonio College	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	Transfer / 2018
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Jordan McMillan S	Los Angeles, California	Loyola High School	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	Walk-On / February 7, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Spencer Gilbert ILB	Bellflower, California	St. John Bosco High School	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	Walk-On / February 9, 2018 (Committed)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Howard Felder Jr. TB	Los Angeles, California	Cathedral High School	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	Walk-On / 2017
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Trevor Scully QB	La Jolla, California	La Jolla High School	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	Walk-On / 2018
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
AJ Mageo OT	Mesa, Arizona	Red Mountain High School	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	320 lb (150 kg)	Walk-On / 2018
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Mark Zuvich C	Laguna Hills, California	Laguna Hills High School	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	260 lb (120 kg)	Walk-On / 2018
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Quincy Jountti TB	Bakersfield, California	Sacramento State Hornets football	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	Walk-On / 2018 (Transfer)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Matthew Hocum WR	Milwaukee, Wisconsin	Marquette Golden Eagles	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	Walk-On / 2017 (Transfer)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Isaac Franco ILB	Los Angeles, California	Adams State Grizzlies	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	Walk-On / 2017 (Transfer)
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    247Sports:    ESPN:
Overall recruit ranking:   Scout: –    247Sports: #4    ESPN: –
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2018 Team Ranking". Rivals. Retrieved August 7, 2018.

Scholarship distribution chart

Position	Freshman (28)	Sophomore (23)	Junior (11)	Senior (17)	2019 commit (13)	2020 commit (4)	2021 commit (2)
QB 3 (2)	JT Daniels Jack Sears	Matt Fink	–	–	Kedon Slovis	Bryce Young	–
TB 4 (1)	Markese Stepp	Stephen Carr Vavae Malepeai	–	Aca'Cedric Ware	Jordan Wilmore	–	–
FB 1	–	–	–	Reuben Peters*	–	–	–
WR 9 (3)	Amon-Ra St. Brown Devon Williams	Randal Grimes Josh Imatorbhebhe Velus Jones Jr. Trevon Sidney Tyler Vaughns Keyshawn Pie Young	Michael Pittman Jr.	–	Drake London Munir McClain Puka Nacua	Koy Moore	–
TE 4 (2)	–	Josh Falo Erik Krommenhoek	Daniel Imatorbhebhe	Tyler Petite	Ethan Rae Jude Wolfe	–	–
OL 14 (0)	Justin Dedich Liam Douglass Jalen McKenzie Brett Neilon Alijah Vera-Tucker	Austin Jackson Frank Martin II Andrew Vorhees	Jacob Daniel Clayton Bradley	Jordan Austin Chris Brown Chuma Edoga Toa Lobendahn	Jason Rodriguez	–	–
DL 10 (1)	Jacob Lichtenstein Trevor Trout Jay Tufele Marlon Tuipulotu	Liam Jimmons Brandon Pili	Connor Murphy Christian Rector Caleb Tremblay	Malik Dorton	–	–	Jay Toia
OLB 8 (2)	Hunter Echols Kana'i Mauga Abdul-Malik McClain Raymond Scott Eli'Jah Winston	Juliano Falaniko	Oluwole Betiku Jr.	Porter Gustin	Gino Quinones	–	Ma'a Gaoteote
ILB 7 (2)	Palaie Gaoteote IV Tayler Katoa Solomon Tuliaupupu	Levi Jones	John Houston Jr. Jordan Iosefa	Cameron Smith	Maninoa Tufono Stanley Taufoou	–	–
CB 9 (2)	Olaijah Griffin Greg Johnson Isaac Taylor-Stuart Chase Williams	–	Dominic Davis	Ajene Harris Isaiah Langley Jonathan Lockett Iman Marshall	Chris Steele Trey Davis	–	–
S 5 (0)	Talanoa Hufanga Isaiah Pola-Mao	Bubba Bolden C.J. Pollard	–	Marvell Tell	–	–	–
SP 5 (1)	–	Michael Brown Damon Johnson Chase McGrath*	–	Reid Budrovich* Chris Tilbey	–	Parker Lewis	–
ATH (–)	x	x	x	x	–	–	–

redshirt year used / redshirt year eligible / * Former walk-on

– 85 scholarships permitted, 81 currently allotted to players

– 78 recruited players on scholarship (Three former walk-ons)

– OT Jalen McKenzie took an advanced scholarship or "blueshirt" limiting USC's class of 2018 to 24.

Projecting Scholarship Distribution 2018

2018 NFL Draft

NFL Combine

Main article: 2018 NFL draft

The official list of participants for the 2018 NFL Combine included USC football players WR Deontay Burnett, QB Sam Darnold, DE Rasheem Green, RB Ronald Jones II, WR Steven Mitchell Jr. & OLB Uchenna Nwosu.

Team players drafted into the NFL

Player	Position	Round	Pick	NFL Team
Sam Darnold (Sophomore)	Quarterback	1	3	New York Jets
Ronald Jones II (Junior)	Tailback	2	38 (6)	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Uchenna Nwosu	Linebacker	2	48 (I6)	Los Angeles Chargers
Rasheem Green (Junior)	Defensive end	3	79 (I5)	Seattle Seahawks
Steven Mitchell Jr.	Wide receiver	UDFA	–	Los Angeles Rams
Deontay Burnett (Junior)	Wide receiver	UDFA	–	Tennessee Titans
Viane Talamaivao	Offensive guard	UDFA	–	Seattle Seahawks
Nico Falah	Center	UDFA	–	Tennessee Titans
Josh Fatu	Defensive tackle	UDFA	–	Detroit Lions
Chris Hawkins	Safety	UDFA	–	Seattle Seahawks

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 1	1:00 p.m.	UNLV*	No. 15	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA	P12N	W 43–21	58,708
September 8	5:30 p.m.	at No. 10 Stanford	No. 17	Stanford Stadium Stanford, CA (rivalry)	FOX	L 3–17	42,856
September 15	5:00 p.m.	at Texas*	No. 22	Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium Austin, TX	FOX	L 14–37	103,507
September 21	7:30 p.m.	Washington State		Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA	ESPN	W 39–36	52,421
September 29	7:30 p.m.	at Arizona		Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ	ESPN2	W 24–20	43,573
October 13	7:30 p.m.	No. 19 Colorado		Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA	FS1	W 31–20	57,615
October 20	5:00 p.m.	at Utah		Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT	P12N	L 28–41	46,405
October 27	12:30 p.m.	Arizona State		Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA	ABC/ESPN2	L 35–38	47,406
November 3	7:00 p.m.	at Oregon State		Reser Stadium Corvallis, OR	FS1	W 38–21	35,187
November 10	7:30 p.m.	California		Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA	ESPN	L 14–15	56,721
November 17	12:30 p.m.	at UCLA		Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA (Victory Bell)	FOX	L 27–34	57,116
November 24	5:00 p.m.	No. 3 Notre Dame*		Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA (Jeweled Shillelagh)	ABC	L 17–24	59,821
*Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Pacific time

Game summaries

UNLV

See also: 2018 UNLV Rebels football team

UNLV Rebels at USC Trojans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rebels	7	7	0	7	21
No. 15 Trojans	6	13	0	24	43

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

• Date: September 1, 2018
• Game time: 1:00 p.m.
• Game weather: Temperature: 80 °F (27 °C) • Weather: Clear Skies • Wind: Calm
• Game attendance: 58,708
• Referee: Kevin Mar
• TV announcers (P12N): Ted Robinson, Yogi Roth and Jill Savage (sideline)

Game information

First quarter USC (14:07) – #40 Chase McGrath 46 yard Field Goal – USC 3–0 USC (3:18) – #40 Chase McGrath 38 yard Field Goal – USC 6–0 UNLV (2:37) – #3 Lexington Thomas 71 yard run TD (#30 Evan Pantels kick) – UNLV 7–6 Second quarter USC (13:12) – #40 Chase McGrath 29 yard Field Goal – USC 9–7 UNLV (10:32) – #1 Armani Rogers to #84 Kendal Keys 29 yard pass TD (#30 Evan Pantels kick) – UNLV 14–9 USC (9:19) – #40 Chase McGrath 47 yard Field Goal – UNLV 14–12 USC (1:04) – #29 Vavae Malepeai 2 yard run TD (#40 Chase McGrath kick) – USC 19–14 Fourth quarter USC (14:52) – #18 JT Daniels to #8 Amon-Ra St. Brown 43 yard pass TD (#40 Chase McGrath kick) – USC 26–14 USC (12:39) – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware 15 yard run TD (#40 Chase McGrath kick) – USC 33–14 UNLV (8:06) – #1 Armani Rogers to #45 Giovanni Fauolo 5 yard pass TD (#30 Evan Pantels kick) – USC 33–21 USC (4:39) – #40 Chase McGrath 36 yard Field Goal – USC 36–21 USC (1:38) – #29 Vavae Malepeai 20 yard run TD (#40 Chase McGrath kick) – USC 43–21 Passing UNLV – #1 Armani Rogers – 12/27 97 Yds – 2 TD USC – #18 JT Daniels – 22/35 282 Yds – 1 TD Rushing UNLV – #3 Lexington Thomas – 14 Runs 136 Yds – 1 TD USC – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware – 10 Runs 100 Yds – 1 TD Receiving UNLV – #84 Kendal Keys – 1 Rec 31 Yds – 1 TD USC – #8 Amon-Ra St. Brown – 7 Rec 98 Yds – 1TD

Stanford

See also: 2018 Stanford Cardinal football team and Stanford–USC football rivalry

USC Trojans at Stanford Cardinal

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 17 Trojans	0	0	3	0	3
No. 10 Cardinal	7	7	3	0	17

at Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California

• Date: September 8, 2018
• Game time: 5:30 p.m.
• Game attendance: 42,856
• TV: FOX

Game information

First quarter STAN (10:26) – #20 Bryce Love 6 yard run TD (#26 Jet Toner kick) – STAN 7–0 Second quarter STAN (0:34) – #3 K.J. Costello to #84 Colby Parkinson 9 yard pass TD (#26 Jet Toner kick) – STAN 14–0 Third quarter USC (11:24) – #40 Chase McGrath 35 yard Field Goal – STAN 14–3 STAN (6:04) – #26 Jet Toner 30 yard Field Goal – STAN 17–3 Passing USC – #18 JT Daniels – 16/34 215 Yds – 2 Int STAN – #3 K. J. Costello – 16/27 183 Yds – 1 TD Rushing USC – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware – 18 Runs 59 Yds STAN – #20 Bryce Love – 22 Runs 136 Yds – 1 TD Receiving USC – #21 Tyler Vaughns – 7 Rec 84 Yds STAN – #82 Kaden Smith – 4 Rec 77 Yds

Texas

See also: 2018 Texas Longhorns football team

No. 22 USC Trojans at Texas Longhorns

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 22 Trojans	14	0	0	0	14
Longhorns	3	13	21	0	37

at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

• Date: September 15, 2018
• Game time: 5:00 p.m.
• Game attendance: 103,507

Game information

First quarter USC (10:48) – #7 Stephen Carr 23 yard run TD (#40 Chase McGrath kick) – USC 7–0 TEX (6:19) – #17 Cameron Dicker 20 yard Field Goal – TEX 7–3 USC (0:33) – #29 Vavae Malepeai 3 yard run TD (#40 Chase McGrath kick) – USC 14–0 Second quarter TEX (13:23) – #11 Sam Ehlinger to #84 Lil'Jordan Humphrey 47 yard pass TD (#17 Cameron Dicker kick) – USC 14–10 TEX (10:39) – #17 Cameron Dicker 46 yard Field Goal – TEX 14–13 TEX (0:00) – #17 Cameron Dicker 46 yard Field Goal – TEX 14–16 Third quarter TEX (10:45) – #11 Sam Ehlinger to #14 Joshua Moore 27 yard pass TD (#17 Cameron Dicker kick) – TEX 23–14 TEX (6:25) – #45 Anthony Wheeler blocked FG return (#17 Cameron Dicker kick) – TEX 30–14 TEX (1:42) – #11 Sam Ehlinger 4 yard run TD (#17 Cameron Dicker kick) – TEX 37–14 Passing USC – #18 JT Daniels – 30/46 322 Yds – 1 Int TEX – #11 Sam Ehlinger – 15/33 223 Yds – 2 TD Rushing USC – #7 Stephen Carr – 6 Runs 13 Yds – 1 TD TEX – #5 Tre Watson – 18 Runs 72 Yds Receiving USC – #8 Amon-Ra St. Brown – 9 Rec 167 Yds TEX – #84 Lil'Jordan Humphrey– 4 Rec 84 Yds – 1 TD

Washington State

See also: 2018 Washington State Cougars football team

Washington State Cougars at USC Trojans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cougars	3	21	6	6	36
Trojans	7	10	7	15	39

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

• Date: September 21, 2018
• Game time: 7:30 p.m.
• Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C); clear skies
• Game attendance: 52,421
• Referee: Javarro Edwards
• TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, Tom Luginbill

Game information

First quarter USC (12:56) – #29 Vavae Malepeai 3 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 7–0 WSU (7:19) – #40 Blake Mazza 50 yard Field Goal – USC 7–3 Second quarter WSU (13:29) – #32 James Williams 4 yard run TD (#40 Blake Mazza kick) – WSU 10–7 USC (12:23) – #18T Daniels to #21 Tyler Vaughns 9 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 14–10 WSU (9:55) – #16 Gardner Minshew to #8 Easop Winston 28 yard pass TD (#40 Blake Mazza kick) – WSU 17–14 WSU (1:39) – #16 Gardner Minshew to #12 Dezmon Patmon 7 yard pass TD (#40 Blake Mazza kick) – WSU 24–14 USC (0:00) – #49 Michael Brown 26 yard Field Goal – WSU 24–17 Third quarter WSU (10:21) – #21 Max Borghi 13 yard run TD – WSU 30–17 USC (9:03) – #18 JT Daniels to #6 Michael Pittman Jr. 50 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – WSU 30–24 Fourth quarter USC (14:31) – #18 JT Daniels to #8 Amon-Ra St. Brown 30 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 31–30 WSU (10:15) – #16 Gardner Minshew to #4 Easop Winston Jr. 4 yard pass TD – WSU 36–31 USC (8:03) – #29 Vavae Malepeai 2 yard run TD (2 pts Conversion) – USC 39–36 Passing WSU – #16 Gardner Minshew – 37/52 344 Yds – 3 TD USC – #18 JT Daniels – 17/26 241 Yds – 3 TD Rushing WSU – #32 James Williams – 17 Runs 54 Yds – 1 TD USC – #29 Vavae Malepeai – 13 Runs 78 Yds – 2 TD Receiving WSU – #4 Easop Winston – 6 Rec 143 Yds – 2 TD USC – #21 Tyler Vaughns – 7 Rec 64 Yds – 1 TD

Arizona

See also: 2018 Arizona Wildcats football team

USC Trojans at Arizona Wildcats

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Trojans	7	10	7	0	24
Wildcats	0	0	7	13	20

at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona

• Date: September 29, 2018
• Game time: 7:30 p.m.
• Game weather: Clear, 90 °F (32 °C)
• Game attendance: 43,573
• Referee: Steve Strimling
• TV announcers (ESPN2): Adam Amin (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst), Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter)

Game information

First quarter USC (5:52) – #29 Vavae Malepeai 1 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 7–0 Second quarter USC (11:12) – #49 Michael Brown 42 yard Field Goal – USC 10–0 USC (5:08) – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware 26 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 17–0 Third quarter USC (10:36) – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware 69 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 24–0 AZ (7:44) – #14 Khalil Tate to #86 Stanley Berryhill III 33 yard pass TD (#43 Lucas Havrisik kick) – USC 24–7 Fourth quarter AZ (9:34) – #14 Khalil Tate to #18 Cedric Peterson 32 yard pass TD (#43 Lucas Havrisik kick) – USC 24–14 AZ (1:40) – #23 Gary Brightwell 1 yard run TD – USC 24–20 Passing USC – #18 JT Daniels – 16/24 197 Yds AZ – #14 Khalil Tate – 16/33 232 Yds – 2 TD – 1 Int Rushing USC – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware – 21 Runs 173 Yds – 2 TD AZ – #23 Gary Brightwell – 4 Runs 14 Yds – 1 TD Receiving USC – #83 Josh Falo – 3 Rec 54 Yds AZ – #18 Cedric Peterson – 2 Rec 38 Yds – 1 TD

Colorado

See also: 2018 Colorado Buffaloes football team

No. 19 Colorado Buffaloes at USC Trojans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 19 Buffaloes	0	7	0	13	20
Trojans	0	21	7	3	31

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

• Date: October 13, 2018
• Game time: 7:30 p.m.
• Game attendance: 57,615
• TV announcers (FS1): Joe Davis, Brady Quinn and Bruce Feldman

Game information

Second quarter COLO (11:58) – #2 Laviska Shenault 49 yard run TD (#48 James Stefanou kick) – COLO 7–0 USC (10:11) – #18 JT Daniels to #21 Tyler Vaughns 27 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 7–7 USC (3:33) – #18 JT Daniels to #6 Michael Pittman Jr. 65 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 14–7 USC (1:10) – #18 JT Daniels to #6 Michael Pittman Jr. 9 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 21–7 Third quarter USC (5:16) – #27 Ajene Harris 6 yard interception return (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 28–7 Fourth quarter COLO (6:46) – #21 Kyle Evans 2 yard run TD (#48 James Stefanou kick) – USC 28–14 USC (5:05) – #49 Michael Brown 38 yard Field Goal – USC 31–14 COLO (3:23) – #12 Steven Montez 19 yard run TD – USC 31–20 Passing COLO – #12 Steven Montez – 26/47 170 Yds – 1 Int USC – #18 JT Daniels – 17/34 272 Yds – 3 TD – 2 Int Rushing COLO – #34 Travon McMillian – 18 Runs 32 Yds USC – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware – 6 Runs 23 Yds Receiving COLO – #2 Laviska Shenault – 9 Rec 72 Yds USC – #6 Michael Pittman Jr. – 5 Rec 144 Yds – 2 TD

Utah

See also: 2018 Utah Utes football team

USC Trojans at Utah Utes

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Trojans	14	0	0	14	28
Utes	7	13	14	7	41

at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

• Date: October 20, 2018
• Game time: 5:00 p.m.
• Game attendance: 46,405

Game information

First quarter USC (7:31) – #18 JT Daniels to #6 Michael Pittman Jr. 34 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 7–0 USC (5:58) – #78 Jay Tufele 48 yard fumble return (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 14–0 UTAH (5:05) – #1 Tyler Huntley to #18 Britain Covey 46 yard pass TD (#97 Matt Gay kick) – USC 14–7 Second quarter UTAH (14:11) – #97 Matt Gay 33 yard Field Goal – USC 14–10 UTAH (7:27) – #1 Tyler Huntley 3 yard run TD (#97 Matt Gay kick) – UTAH 17–14 UTAH (0:00) – #97 Matt Gay 30 yard Field Goal – UTAH 20–14 Third quarter UTAH (12:30) – #1 Tyler Huntley to #21 Solomon Enis 27 yard pass TD (#97 Matt Gay kick) – UTAH 27–14 UTAH (3:28) – #1 Tyler Huntley to #17 Demari Simpkins 11 yard pass TD (#97 Matt Gay kick) – UTAH 34–14 Fourth quarter USC (11:34) – #19 Matt Fink to #82 Tyler Petite 3 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – UTAH 34–21 UTAH (8:55) – #1 Tyler Huntley to #44 Jake Jackson 11 yard pass TD (#97 Matt Gay kick) – UTAH 41–21 USC (3:05) – #29 Vavae Malepeai 12 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – UTAH 41–28 Passing USC – #18 JT Daniels – 6/16 89 Yds – 1 TD – 2 Int UTAH – #1 Tyler Huntley – 22/29 341 Yds – 4 TD Rushing USC – #29 Vavae Malepeai – 10 Runs 44 Yds – 1 TD UTAH – #2 Zack Moss – 25 Runs 136 Yds Receiving USC – #6 Michael Pittman Jr. – 4 Rec 107 Yds – 1 TD UTAH – #18 Britain Covey – 4 Rec 79 Yds – 1 TD

Arizona State

See also: 2018 Arizona State Sun Devils football team

Arizona State Sun Devils at USC Trojans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Sun Devils	14	10	7	7	38
Trojans	7	7	14	7	35

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

• Date: October 27, 2018
• Game time: 12:30 p.m.
• Game weather: Sunny with clear skies, 82 °F (28 °C)
• Game attendance: 47,406
• Referee: Chris Coyte
• TV announcers (ABC/ESPN2): Adam Amin (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst), Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter)

Game information

First quarter USC (12:52) – #21 Tyler Vaughns 82 yard punt return (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 7–0 ASU (8:55) – #5 Manny Wilkins to #1 N'Keal Harry 44 yard pass TD (#1 Brandon Ruiz kick) – USC 7–7 ASU (6:22) – #3 Eno Benjamin 3 yard run TD (#1 Brandon Ruiz kick) – ASU 14–7 Second quarter ASU (14:12) – #1 Brandon Ruiz 31 yard Field Goal – ASU 17–7 ASU (6:12) – #3 Eno Benjamin 49 yard run TD (#1 Brandon Ruiz kick) – ASU 24–7 USC (0:13) – #10 Jack Sears to #6 Michael Pittman Jr. 6 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – ASU 24–14 Third quarter USC (10:49) – #1 Velus Jones Jr. 1 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – ASU 24–21 USC (10:24) – #21 Tyler Vaughns to #6 Michael Pittman Jr. 36 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 28–24 ASU (2:54) – #1 N'Keal Harry 92 yard punt return (#1 Brandon Ruiz kick) – ASU 31–28 Fourth quarter ASU (1:23) – #5 Manny Wilkins 45 yard run TD (#1 Brandon Ruiz kick) – ASU 38–28 USC (0:35) – #10 Jack Sears to #21 Tyler Vaughns 48 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – ASU 38–35 Passing ASU – #5 Manny Wilkins – 14/22 166 Yds – 1 TD USC – #10 Jack Sears – 20/28 235 Yds – 2 TD Rushing ASU – #3 Eno Benjamin – 29 Runs 185 Yds – 2 TD USC – #29 Vavae Malepeai – 5 Runs 51 Yds Receiving ASU – #1 N'Keal Harry – 4 Rec 95 Yds – 1 TD USC – #6 Michael Pittman Jr. – 6 Rec 90 Yds – 2 TD

Oregon State

See also: 2018 Oregon State Beavers football team

USC Trojans at Oregon State Beavers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Trojans	7	14	7	10	38
Beavers	0	14	7	0	21

at Reser Stadium, Corvallis, Oregon

• Date: November 3, 2018
• Game time: 7:00 p.m.
• Game attendance: 35,187
• TV: FS1

Game information

First quarter USC (5:38) – #7 Stephen Carr 8 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 7–0 Second quarter USC (14:50) – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware 57 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 14–0 USC (7:13) – #18 JT Daniels to #2 Devon Williams 41 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 21–0 OSU (4:15) – #12 Jack Colletto 6 yard run TD (#46 Jordan Choukair kick) – USC 21–7 OSU (0:04) – #6 Jake Luton to #81 Noah Togiai 11 yard pass TD (#46 Jordan Choukair kick) – USC 21–14 Third quarter USC (10:42) – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware 2 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 28–14 OSU (6:23) – #21 Artavis Pierce 6 yard run TD (#46 Jordan Choukair kick) – USC 28–21 Fourth quarter USC (11:53) – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware 62 yard run TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 35–21 USC (4:42) – #49 Michael Brown 46 yard Field Goal – USC 38–21 Passing USC – #18 JT Daniels – 14/26 177 Yds – 1 TD OSU – #6 Jake Luton – 31/45 301 Yds – 1 TD Rushing USC – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware – 17 Runs 205 Yds – 3 TD OSU – #22 Jermar Jefferson – 18 Runs 58 Yds Receiving USC – #2 Devon Williams – 3 Rec 77 Yds – 1TD OSU – #17 Isaiah Hodgins – 8 Rec 129 Yds

California

See also: 2018 California Golden Bears football team

California Golden Bears at USC Trojans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Golden Bears	0	0	15	0	15
Trojans	0	14	0	0	14

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

• Date: November 10, 2018
• Game time: 7:36 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 56,721
• Referee: Mike McCabe
• TV announcers (ESPN): Adam Amin, Rod Gilmore, and Quint Kessenich
• Defensive Cal snaps 14-game skid vs USC with 15-14 victory,^[1] Game Book^[2]

Game information

Second quarter USC (14:13) – #18 JT Daniels to #21 Tyler Vaughns 2 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 7–0 USC (7:29) – #18 JT Daniels to #21 Tyler Vaughns 23 yard pass TD (#49 Michael Brown kick) – USC 14–0 Third quarter CAL (14:03) – California Defense Safety – USC 14–2 CAL (12:51) – #7 Chase Garbers to #17 Vic Wharton III 29 yard pass TD (#39 Greg Thomas kick) – USC 14–9 CAL (6:13) – #7 Chase Garbers 5 yard run TD TD – CAL 15–14 Fourth quarter Passing CAL – #7 Chase Garbers – 14/26 93 Yds– 1 TD USC – #18 JT Daniels – 21/34 180 Yds – 2 TDs – 1 INT Rushing CAL – #28 Patrick Laird – 19 runs 71 Yds USC – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware – 16 runs 103 Yds Receiving CAL – #17 Vic Wharton III – 2 Rec 34 Yds – 1 TD USC – #21 Tyler Vaughns – 8 Rec 91 Yds – 2 TDs

UCLA

See also: 2018 UCLA Bruins football team

USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Trojans	10	14	3	0	27
Bruins	14	7	0	13	34

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

• Date: November 17, 2018
• Game time: 12:30 p.m. PT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 69 °F (21 °C)
• Game attendance: 57,116
• Referee: Kevin Mar
• TV announcers (FOX): Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, and Bruce Feldman
• Kelley rushes for 289 yards, leads UCLA past USC 34-27,^[3]

Game information

First quarter USC – Michael Brown 46-yard field goal, 11:27. Trojans 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 3:33. UCLA – Theo Howard 33-yard pass from Wilton Speight (J.J. Molson Kick), 7:53. Bruins 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:34. UCLA – Wilton Speight 4-yard run (J.J. Molson Kick), 3:38. Bruins 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:43. USC – Amon-Ra St. Brown 44-yard pass from JT Daniels (Michael Brown Kick), 0:22. Bruins 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:16. Second quarter USC – Devon Williams 5-yard return of blocked punt (Michael Brown Kick), 14:11. Trojans 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, -6 yards, 1:11. UCLA – Joshua Kelley 1-yard run (J.J. Molson Kick), 8:10. Bruins 21–17. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 3:49. USC – Velus Jones Jr. 45-yard pass from J.T. Daniels (Michael Brown Kick), 5:54. Trojans 24–21. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:16. Third quarter USC – Michael Brown 22-yard field goal, 7:04. Trojans 27–21. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:17. Fourth quarter UCLA – Joshua Kelley 55-yard run (J.J. Molson Kick), 10:39. Bruins 28–27. Drive: 7 plays, 97 yards, 3:14. UCLA – J.J. Molson 19-yard field goal, 6:19. Bruins 31–27. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 4:12. UCLA – J.J. Molson 48-yard field goal, 2:36. Bruins 34–27. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 2:19. Passing USC – #18 JT Daniels – 20/34 337 Yds – 2 TDs – 2 INTs UCLA – #3 Wilton Speight – 13/22 166 Yds – 1 TD – 1 INT Rushing USC – #29 Vavae Malepeai – 15 runs 77 Yds UCLA – #27 Joshua Kelley – 40 runs 289 Yds – 2 TDs Receiving USC – #6 Michael Pittman Jr. – 7 Rec 106 Yds UCLA – #14 Theo Howard – 5 Rec 76 Yds – 1 TD

Notre Dame

See also: 2018 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team and Notre Dame–USC football rivalry

No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 3 Fighting Irish	0	7	10	7	24
Trojans	7	3	0	7	17

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

• Date: November 24, 2018
• Game time: 5:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Temperature: 65 F • Weather: clear skies • Wind: NNW 1 MPH
• Game attendance: 59,821
• Referee: David Epperley
• TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Maria Taylor

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Passing ND – #12 Ian Book – 22/39 352 Yds – 2 TDs – 1 INT USC – #18 JT Daniels – 37/51 349 Yds – 1 TD Rushing ND – #2 Dexter Williams – 16 runs 97 Yds – 1 TD USC – #28 Aca'Cedric Ware – 13 runs 68 Yds Receiving ND – #10 Chris Finke – 7 Rec 86 Yds – 1 TD USC – #21 Tyler Vaughns – 12 Rec 120 Yds – 1 TD

Rankings

Further information: 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes

	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	Final
AP	15	17	22	—	—	—	—	RV	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Coaches	15	12	21	—	RV	RV	—	RV	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
CFP	Not released									—	—	—	—	—	—	Not released

Statistics

Preseason

Pac-12 Media Days

Pac-12 media days are set for July 25, 2018, in Hollywood, California. Clay Helton (Head coach), Porter Gustin (OLB) & Cameron Smith (ILB) at Pac-12 media days. The Pac-12 media poll was released with the Trojans predicted to win the Pac-12 South division title.^[4]

Media poll (South)
Predicted finish	Team	Votes (1st place)
1	USC	225 (22)
2	Utah	209 (14)
3	Arizona	178 (3)
4	UCLA	116 (2)
5	Colorado	80 (1)
6	Arizona State	72

Awards and honors

Player	Position	Class	Award	Result (In Progress)	Reference
Coaches
Clay Helton	Head Coach	–	Dodd Trophy	Watch list	[5]
Offense
Stephen Carr	Tailback	Sophomore	Doak Walker Award	Watch list	[6]
			Maxwell Award		[7]
Aca'Cedric Ware	Tailback	Senior	Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award	Watch list
Vavae Malepeai	Tailback	Sophomore	Polynesian College Football Player of the Year	Watch list	[8]
Tyler Petite	Tight end	Senior	John Mackey Award	Watch list	[9]
Jordan Austin	Offensive guard	Senior	Allstate AFCA Good Works Team	Nominee	[10]
Toa Lobendahn	Center	Senior	Rimington Trophy	Watch list	[11]
			Outland Trophy		[12]
			Polynesian College Football Player of the Year		[8]
Defense
Brandon Pili	Defensive tackle	Sophomore	Polynesian College Football Player of the Year	Watch list	[8]
Christian Rector	Defensive end	Junior	Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Watch list	[13]
			Ted Hendricks Award		[14]
Porter Gustin	Outside linebacker	Senior	Bednarik Award	Watch list	[15]
			Butkus Award		[16]
			Lott Trophy		[17]
Cameron Smith	Inside linebacker	Senior	Bednarik Award	Watch list	[15]
			Bronko Nagurski Trophy		[13]
			Butkus Award		[16]
			Lott Trophy		[17]
Jordan Iosefa	Linebacker	Junior	Polynesian College Football Player of the Year	Watch list	[8]
Iman Marshall	Cornerback	Senior	Jim Thorpe Award	Watch list	[18]
Marvell Tell	Safety	Senior	Bednarik Award	Watch list	[15]
			Bronko Nagurski Trophy		[13]
			Jim Thorpe Award		[18]
Special teams
Jake Olson	Long snapper	Junior	Wuerffel Trophy	Watch list	[19]

Awards and honors

Midseason award watch lists

Weekly awards

Major award semifinalists

Honors and Awards Source: 2018 Arizona Media Notes

Players drafted into the NFL

See also: 2019 NFL draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	NFL Club
3	92	Chuma Edoga	OT	New York Jets
4	127	Iman Marshall	CB	Baltimore Ravens
5	144	Marvell Tell	S	Indianapolis Colts
5	162	Cameron Smith	LB	Minnesota Vikings

Notes

• November 16, 2017 – USC's 2018 Football Schedule Announced.^[20]
• December 1, 2017 – No. 10 USC Beats No. 12 Stanford, 31–28 for Pac-12 Title.^[21]
• December 20, 2017 – USC Football Announces Early Signing Period 2018 Class.^[22]
• December 22, 2017 – Juco Defensive Lineman Caleb Tremblay Signs With USC.^[23]
• December 22, 2017 – No. 1 2019 QB recruit JT Daniels skipping senior year and enrolling at USC a year early.^[24]
• December 29, 2017 – No. 5 Ohio State Tops No. 8 USC 24–7 in Cotton Bowl Classic.^[25]
• December 29, 2017 – Defensive Back Talanoa Hufanga Signs With USC Football.^[26]
• January 3, 2018 – Sam Darnold Declares for 2018 NFL Draft.^[27]
• January 5, 2018 – USC Tailback Ronald Jones II Declares for NFL.^[28]
• January 5, 2018 – Porter Gustin reportedly set to return to USC Football for 2018 season.^[29]
• January 6, 2018 – Amon-Ra St. Brown commits to USC over Stanford, Notre Dame.^[30]
• January 8, 2018 – USC WR Deontay Burnett declares for 2018 NFL Draft.^[31]
• January 10, 2018 – Toa Lobendahn to return to USC Football for 2018 season.^[32]
• January 10, 2018 – Cameron Smith announces return to USC Football for 2018.^[33]
• January 11, 2018 – USC Football reportedly promote Bryan Ellis to quarterbacks coach.^[34]
• January 12, 2018 – Deland McCullough leaves USC Football for Kansas City Chiefs.^[35]
• January 12, 2018 – USC DB Iman Marshall will return to USC for the 2018 season.^[36]
• January 13, 2018 – USC DL Rasheem Green Declares for 2018 NFL Draft.^[37]
• January 18, 2018 – Ronnie Lott added to College Football Playoff Selection Committee.^[38]
• January 19, 2018 – Keary Colbert reportedly promoted to tight ends coach for USC Football.^[39]
• January 20, 2018 – Tee Martin gets multi-year extension to stay with USC Football.^[40]