Bryan Jackson completes running back room with 3 dependable options for USC

Offenses in college almost have to operate out of the shotgun. USC is not going to mirror the option or mirror the service academies any time soon. Particularly under coach Lincoln Riley, the concepts center around spreading the defense out and getting the ball to playmakers in space.

Still, it would be something to see running back Bryan Jackson get some touches after getting the handoff from a quarterback under center.

As is, the sophomore has a good burst of speed and does a nice job of running between the tackles. Able to finish runs with the power needed to gain extra yards on the play, he does well out of the backfield. When watching him later on during the 2025 season, think of how his production would potentially be able to go up if the Trojans handed the ball to him in the I-formation every now and then.

While that may be a dream for old-school enthusiasts for another day, dealing with the present reality, Jackson is an excellent running back option for coach Riley to potentially turn to on any down.

USC brought in some transfers to help the RB room after some departures from last season. By all means, Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders are poised for important roles as tailbacks for the upcoming season.

Even so, Trojan fans shouldn't be too quick to forget Jackson. Featured against Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl, Jackson ran for 66 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. His 4.1 yards per rush in that game should say it all, really.

Now he'll be one of three good backs in an offense that many would enjoy seeing run the ball more. Even if the offense focuses more on the air part in air raid, establishing the run is always going to be an important factor for any football team.

Jackson will play a role for USC this season

In what always proves to be a long season that demands a lot of the roster as a whole, Jackson will get his opportunities to showcase himself. This will be true even if Sanders and Jordan end up being ahead of him on the depth chart.

Injuries are also a reality of the game, and if someone goes down, coach Riley will be able to comfortably turn to Jackson to see increased touches. Though, hopefully, everyone on the team is able to get through the season as healthy as possible.

Either way, Jackson has shown early glimpses of the making of a good running back for USC. If he's patient, he'll be able to highlight his abilities even more.