Big USC shoes to fill from Jonah Monheim could see seamless transition with J'Onre Reed

Getting the right people on the offensive line is too much of an overlooked aspect in college football. USC had a great athlete at center this past season in Jonah Monheim. He has since gone on to be drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving what would usually be a significant hole for the offense to fill.

Coach Lincoln Riley has done well in mitigating any fears at that position, as he went into the portal to fill that positional need. J'Onre Reed is a transfer student from Syracuse. Starting at the same community college in Hutchinson CC as Waymond Jordan, the redshirt senior comes to campus with a lot of experience under his belt.

Reed started in all but one game over the last two seasons for his former ACC school. Now with the Trojans, the 'Big General' appears set to take over as center for coach Riley this fall.

Any number of occurrences can further shape the eventual starting depth chart this fall. As things stand now, however, from the outside looking in, most believe that Reed will be the one snapping the ball to Jayden Maiava when USC faces Missouri State in August.

Although it must be noted, Reed is versatile and previously mentioned being willing to play at any position. For someone who brings a lot of infectious energy, truthfully anywhere he were to line up on the offensive line would be a good spot for him.

The offense needs someone like Reed to use his compiled veteran knowledge and communication to sort things out before and during the play this fall. That isn't to say that there aren't others who could also fill in the role left by Monheim's departure.

Why Reed is most likely the starting USC center for 2025

It does take a special type of person to step into those shoes, though. Not only does an athlete in the trenches need to have the build and athleticism, but at least one person up front needs to be a vocal leader as well.

This is what makes Reed, with the way he naturally carries himself and has already established his presence during his short time so far in Los Angeles, the person most expect coach Riley to turn to at the center position when the season rolls around.

There are a lot of expectations for this team to produce something of an uptick in the win column. In order for that to happen and for USC to be in the best position it can be for the 2025 season, it will most likely mean seeing Reed calling out the protections and hiking the ball to the Trojans' QB1.