The five most important USC football players in 2024

No. 3 – Center Jonah Monheim

USC football will lean heavily on Jonah Monheim as the centerpiece of the offensive line. Monheim moves to center following the departure of former team captain Justin Dedich. The Los Angeles Rams signed Dedich as an undrafted free agent in April.

Monheim's position change is one of several along USC's offensive front, including a pair of new starting tackles. The redshirt senior has 40 career starts, including 18 at right tackle, 12 at left tackle, and four at right guard. PFF graded Monheim among the top 50 offensive tackles in 2023.  

His experience and size are essential to USC football's potential as a Big Ten member in 2024. The Big Ten is more smash-mouth, whereas the Pac-12 featured a finesse style of football. The Trojans must win in the trenches to succeed in their new conference.

No. 2 – Defensive back Greedy Vance Jr.

The Trojans have made several offseason moves toward fielding a more aggressive defense. Adding Greedy Vance Jr. from the transfer portal is the most significant step toward this goal.

Vance Jr. appeared in all 27 Florida State games over the last two seasons, including five starts. The Kenner (LA) native tallied 18 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception in 2023. As such, there were plenty of suitors when the junior entered the transfer portal in December.

His highlights prove Vance is a very physical defender with the footwork necessary to run with opposing receivers. We expect new USC defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn to leverage Vance's experience and physicality this season.

Vance still doesn't appear on USC football's spring roster, but he has been spotted working out with Trojan teammates in Los Angeles.

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