Olympic USC participation during LA28's flag football event given green light

As shared by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, NFL players will now be allowed to participate during the 2028 Olympics. This allows the chance to see USC football players take the field in the Games. For the first time in the event's history, flag football will be a part of the field.

The resolution passed by a league vote this past week does come with some limitations, however. Only one player per team is allowed to participate. An exception exists for those filling up an international designated player spot.

Because of this, the roster can end up looking drastically different than what many are projecting. Add to the fact that LA28 is three years away from now, and the hot names of today could potentially take something of a backseat between now and the time the opening ceremony hits.

With the full slate of teams to be announced, if not on the U.S. team, there could be avenues for current or past Trojans to be Olympic athletes. The exact method or path to qualification for LA28 is yet to be released, but the DP player could foreseeably go to a USC player for other countries, depending on how that process ends up unfolding.

One player that would certainly stand a good chance of soon becoming an Olympian would be Prince Strachan. From the Bahamas and with his brother, William, on the Washington Commanders, they could form one of the better wide receiver duos in the competition a short time from now.

Another potential to see Trojans participate in the flag football Olympics would be among the Polynesian players. Again, it will depend on what the actual qualification process ends up looking like, but the chance of Samoa, for example, making it to LA28 stands a good chance.

Some USC names to keep an eye on

The defensive linemen are, unfortunately, going to have to sit this one out, but former Trojan safety Talanoa Hufanga could make a strong case with the Kingdom of Tonga and the amount of talent that has come from there.

Tuli Tuipulotu also has Tongan ancestry. Currently with the Los Angeles Chargers, Tuipulotu has already impressed as a pro. He is nearing 100 tackles and has 13 sacks to his name as a two-year NFL player. He would add a lot to any defense, even if you do take the pads away from him.

Current USC freshman linebacker Matai Tagoa'i is someone to look for when the Games roll around. He is of Samoan ancestry and received a high rating out of high school. A four-star out of San Clemente High School, it would be a realistic possibility of his becoming an Olympian.

Depending on the family ties, there are current and former USC players who may have less obvious connections to certain countries who end up making it to LA28 but could end up seeing a Trojan on their roster. In any event, flag football featuring at the Olympics is a win for the sport, and there will be a strong likelihood of seeing USC being represented there as well.