Coach Lincoln Riley 'optimistic' for 2 secondary players to contribute soon

It is known how much the USC secondary has been struggling. Part of this, of course, has to do with injuries. A player going down has a two-fold effect.

For one, there is the immediate lost production. More importantly, though, someone who would otherwise play not being available requires someone stepping up in an increased role and seeing snaps that they may not quite be ready for.

This domino effect can often end up resulting in busts, particularly in cases where there is still a somewhat steep learning curve.

Coach Lincoln Riley pointed to two people who could be coming to the aid of the Trojan defensive back group. RJ Sermons and Alex Graham are young DBs who have not been able to have the start to the 2025 season that they would have liked.

The freshmen have battled injuries and appear now to be close to being able to see the field.

As reported by the LA Times' Ryan Kartje on X, coach Riley believes that the two young DBs are fairly close to joining the action.

Young USC talent

This is highly encouraging news. As is, the Trojan secondary needs some support. Having two extra bodies in itself will be immensely helpful. Being able to potentially turn to Sermons and Graham gives the added benefit of giving reps to two young players who could end up being the cornerstone of a unit that is in great need of a boost.

Whenever the two freshmen do end up being able to play, it will prove to be incredibly valuable. Even if they are not able to necessarily produce winning plays right away as first-year players. And experience they gain in 2025 will only serve to help USC moving forward.