Biggest Breakout Candidate at Every USC Trojans Position Ahead of Fall Camp

The USC Trojans feature familiar faces ready to take the next step with their potential. Quarterback Jayden Maiava rises as the first name, followed by last season's big surprise at running back King Miller.

But the two-deep already looks ready to become altered during fall camp. Especially amid some notable losses at wide receiver and the defensive side.

Time to dive into who's a prime breakout candidate this fall, including some newcomers.

Quarterback: Jayden Maiava

USC Trojans Oregon Ducks Big Ten Lincoln Riley Jayden Maiava Caleb Williams Dan Lanning NFL Draft College Football — Southern California’s Jayden Maiava, center, scrambles against Oregon during the second half Nov. 22, 2025. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard

This is a no brainer here, considering that Maiava enters his third season with coach Lincoln Riley's system.

That means USC fans are anticipating the following in order: Maiava dominates Big Ten competition, he leads the nation in either touchdowns, yards or both, and he cements his case as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Season three in the land of troy should be where Maiava maximizes his potential, barring a season-ending injury.

Running Back: Deshonne Redeaux

Deshonne Redeaux USC Trojans Oaks Christian Lions St. Bonaventure Seraphs Lincoln Riley King Miller Big Ten — Running back Deshonne Redeaux finds an opening during the first quarter of Oaks Christian's 35-0 Marmonte League win over St. Bonaventure Friday night at Redell Field. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Now for the first surprise breakout candidate. Even in a position room that saw Miller go from walk-on to stats leader.

Except the secret is out on Miller. He'll be taken more seriously this fall with teams trying to crowd the box against him.

Yes, Waymond Jordan will earn his carries. But Redeaux brings extra juice and rises as an explosive check down receiver option. Plus Oaks Christian stars have traditionally done well at USC, so Redeaux figures to breakout down the road...which looks like now.

Wide Receiver: Kayden Dixon-Wyatt

Kayden Dixon-Wyatt Chris Henry Jr. Ohio State Buckeyes USC Trojans College Football Recruiting Mater Dei High — Aug 31, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes recruits Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Chris Henry Jr. walk onto the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 52-6. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Returning wide receiver Tanook Hines is guaranteed to get his touches with Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane off to the NFL. Prized transfer from North Carolina State Terrell Anderson is getting the ball too.

But four-star signing from Mater Dei Kayden Dixon-Wyatt earns the chance to start out as the third option for this Air Raid offense before working his way to the leading wideout in the room.

Dixon-Wyatt attacks the football in flight but can adjust his body on short throws. He presents advanced separation on his routes too against defenders. He's got a chance to follow USC legend Amon-Ra St. Brown as the next Mater Dei star to thirve in the land of troy.

Tight End: Mark Bowman

USC Trojans Recruiting Class Mark Bowman Chad Savage Spring Practice Kayden Dixon-Wyatt Trent Mosley Early Enrollee — USC Trojans freshman tight end Mark Bowman | USC Trojans on SI

Bowman either becomes the second tight end next to returning junior Josiah Jefferson or the top tight end in USC's offense.

The latter looks bound to happen for the other megastar from Mater Dei. Bowman presents some freakish attributes that has fans and even recruiting analysts comparing him to a younger version of Las Vegas Raiders star tight end Brock Bowers.

Riley is going to take advantage of Bowman's elite breaks on his routes and advanced catch radius. Look for him to rise as an early red zone target.

Offensive Line: Tobias Raymond

USC Trojans Breck Kolojay Zach Hanson Keenyi Pepe Injury Elijah Paige Recruiting IMG Academy Tobias Raymond Spring Practice — USC Trojans offensive lineman Tobias Raymond | USC Trojans on SI

USC lures back all five offensive linemen in comprising one of the nation's most experienced units.

Few carry the versatility of the Ventura, California, native Tobias Raymond.

Raymond bounced from left guard and both tackle spots. He'll settle more comfortably at his natural left guard spot now that he's heading towards his NFL Draft eligible season at USC.

Defensive Line: Jahkeem Stewart

USC Trojans Jahkeem Stewart Michigan State Spartans Big Ten Gary Patterson Lincoln Riley Bradley Shelby — Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Jahkeem Stewart (4) reacts after a defensive play against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

No one on the USC defensive line attacked the offseason harder than Stewart.

He first turned heads by working with Dallas Cowboys pass rush consultant Brandon Jordan in late June. Then he pulled up to the Sack Summit in Las Vegas with Raiders star Maxx Crosby and other NFL veterans.

New USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson gains a sharpened pass rusher in Stewart here. Meaning he won't rely on run stuffing after getting his feet wet last season as a true freshman.

Linebacker: Elijah Newby

Elijah Newby USC Trojans Luke Lindenmeyer Gary Patterson Nebraska Cornhuskers Big Ten Lincoln Riley Desman Stephens — Nov 1, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers tight end Luke Lindenmeyer (44) drives agaisnt Southern California Trojans linebacker Elijah Newby (26) and safety Kamari Ramsey (7) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Newby enters a critical season three this fall. Especially with Patterson bringing a system that often benefits tall and speedy linebackers like the Connecticut native.

Desman Stephens II is already expected to lead this linebacker room. Washington transfer Deven Bryant thived outside of his diminutive 5-11 frame in the Big Ten.

But Patterson likely will turn to a third linebacker when the situation is needed. That's where Newby can rise as that option and seal off angles with his quickness.

Defensive Back: Jontez Williams

Iowa State Cyclones Jontez Williams Big 12 Conference College Football Transfer Portal Arizona Wildcats Lincoln Riley — Iowa State Cyclones' defensive back Jontez Williams (3) runs with the ball after an interception against Arizona during the second quarter in the Big-12 conference showdown on Sept. 27, 2025, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

USC needs a ballhawk for this Patterson-led 4-2-5 unit. Seems fitting that the former Big 12 head coach can lean into a past star from the conference.

Williams established himself as a takeaway artist in Ames, Iowa. His quick feet and smooth hip transitions allow him to hover over wide receivers for long periods too. He brings five career interceptions over to USC.

The 5-11 cornerback is limited in press coverage due to stiff hips. But Patterson will find ways to use him correctly especially when it's time to take on Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana's deep core of wideouts.

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