Trojans by position: USC CB room

As Trojans by Position nears its end, we turn our attention to the cornerback room on the 2025 USC Trojans, a position group considered extremely deep and highly competitive. Among the standouts is DJ Harvey, a transfer who joined the Trojans from San Jose State a year ago. The Palmdale, CA, native had a career season with the Spartans, recording 58 total tackles and four interceptions. Harvey is a high-leverage player with the versatility to line up across the secondary, earning him the distinction of being the most important player in USC’s cornerback room this season.

Harvey, a redshirt senior, enters his final year of eligibility looking to build on last season’s breakout success in the Mountain West and carry that production into the Big Ten. USC will rely heavily on his ability to defend the passing game, as the veteran cornerback tallied 10 pass breakups in 2024. A former Cali Sports All-Purpose Player of the Year in both 2019 and 2020, Harvey began his college career with two seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring to San Jose State, where he played another two years. A communications major, he was also named a MaxPreps All-American in 2020.

Critical aspect of USC defense

What Harvey brings to USC’s defense is another proven leader and experienced playmaker in the secondary. His pairing with Kamari Ramsey could pay major dividends this fall. Harvey is a physical corner with solid size and speed, and there's growing buzz that he may see snaps at safety as defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn looks to get creative with matchups.

That versatility makes Harvey a likely fan favorite and a key piece in helping USC establish the more physical identity it hopes to adopt in 2025.