Once an area of weakness, USC's defensive line is poised for an excellent 2025 season

Among one of the bigger areas that USC needed to improve was the defensive line. That side of the ball, in general, did not receive the level of attention that the Trojans needed in order to be competitive against the better teams, and it is something that couldn't continue to be glossed over heading into the Big Ten.

Credit has to be given to this USC staff, however, in terms of the strides that have been made on the defensive line and how that position group will stack up against those of the other team in 2025.

At the end of the day, the battle in the trenches is about winning one-on-one matchups. Having players that can beat an offensive line player and disrupt the offense provides any defense with a huge leg up.

Then being able to force a double-team or shift along the opposing offensive line that changes the coverage is the next step and the goal of any defensive unit.

Now entering the second year under coach D'Anton Lynn, this defense already showed some early returns in 2024. Somewhat silently, the defensive line has become what was once seen as an area of weakness to one of the better and, overall, more underrated units on the team.

For Trojan fans, this is a highly welcome sign as they look to string together a better product than what has been seen as of late from the Cardinal and Gold.

Some key names to watch for on USC's roster

The talent in this area excites and warrants consideration among some of the best DL personnel in the nation. Veterans such as Anthony Lucas and Kobe Pepe teaming up with newcomers like Jahkeem Stewart and Keeshawn Silver speak to the array of talent up front for coach Lynn to game plan with, entering into the upcoming season.

Paper conversations are only so valuable during this time of year, but once the games actually start, this USC defensive front is one that Trojan fans need to keep an eye on.