The 15 best USC football players who were never All-Americans

USC football’s All-American Walk is full of exceptional players, but some of the best Trojans ever never achieved that status. Who are the all-time All-American snubs in USC history?

There have been scores of All-Americans in USC football history, ranging from one-handed Brice Taylor to three-way Adoree’ Jackson. But the list of legendary Trojans doesn’t stop there.

A large number of USC greats were denied national recognition of their accomplishments, including some truly surprising stars.

Here is a look at the greatest Trojans who don’t appear on USC’s All-American Wall:

QB Matt Barkley (2009-2012)

As far as careers go, Matt Barkley produced about as much as he could for USC without ever officially earning an All-American nod.

He was the nation’s No. 1 recruit coming out of high school and lived up to that moniker right away by winning USC’s starting quarterback job ahead of the 2009 season.

There were trials and tribulations in his first two seasons as the starter, with USC struggling to live up to previous win-loss records. Even so, he will always be remembered for the part he played in the Trojans’ epic victory over Ohio State at the Horseshoe as a true freshman.

Barkley seemed perfectly set up to reach All-American acclaim in 2011, when he tossed 38 touchdowns and amassed 3,528 yards while guiding USC to a 10-2 record. Unfortunately, NCAA sanctions prevented the Trojans from going to the Pac-12 title game or a bowl game.

As a senior, Barkley kept up his exceptional level with 3,273 yards and 36 touchdowns, but USC’s plummet from No. 1 out of the Top 25 limited his individual acclaim.

That’s how USC’s career passing leader isn’t also featured among the Trojan All-Americans.