USC running back Waymond Jordan is a rising Big Ten star in the making

People can sometimes bloom at different stages in life. The process, with a few more obstacles, sometimes can lead to a more hardened and battle-tested player. USC running back Waymond Jordan has had a well-documented journey to becoming a Trojan.

Jordan started at Hutchinson Community College. That isn't uncommon. A number of athletes have played as JUCO players and then gone on to play in the NFL. As is, J'Onre Reed was once a Blue Dragon himself before joining Syracuse and now coach Lincoln Riley at USC.

While at Hutchinson, the current Trojan RB found himself fourth or fifth on the depth chart at the position when he first arrived. Knowing what he needed to do, he worked to position himself to make a difference for his team and would ultimately win the NJCAA DI Football Offensive Player of the Year distinction en route to a championship.

That edge and ability to then lead the nation at the community college level speak to his fortitude. Now in the Big Ten, he and Eli Sanders will be expected to lead the new-look room.

Particularly with the focus of this Trojan staff over the years on reinforcing the trenches, the play of Jordan and Sanders will be heavily relied on during the 2025 season. Throughout spring, coach Riley has expressed the belief and confidence that he has in the current RB corps.

When watching the past games of Jordan, it's clear why he won the national award and why multiple teams were looking to bring him to campus at the FBS level.

BIG player other teams will monitor on USC offense

Particularly in the Big Ten, Jordan will have something of an opportunity to garner national attention in his first year as a Division I athlete. There are some names like Nicholas Singleton and Darius Taylor to be on the lookout for. Fans of other schools shouldn't be too quick to potentially overlook Jordan, however.

The running back is someone who continues to build on his all-around skill set and shows the needed power and durability that will be required, particularly come conference play. There is a lot of potential on this roster. In terms of a breakout star or featured player that others will need to circle, look no further than USC's Jordan at RB.