Linebacker Desman Stephens II Offers Honest Perspective on USC's Defense

USC Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II was on the field for three dominating quarters before that much-debated fourth-quarter performance against San José State.

Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the game against the San Jose State Spartans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Blunt honesty came from coach Lincoln Riley right after he examined the No. 14 USC Trojans' defense.

Riley liked the first three quarters effort against San José State, but wasn't thrilled about that fourth quarter in the 42-26 win. He and defensive coordinator Gary Patterson watched SJSU outscore USC 23-7.

Linebacker Desman Stephens II was on the field during the three-quarter dominance but became just as honest about the state of the USC defense when addressing reporters on Sept. 2 before facing Fresno State.

Desman Stephens Calls Week 0 'Learning Experience'

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (23) celebrates against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Stephens rises as one of the leaders in the room for the USC defense, especially at linebacker.

He, too, witnessed the litany of mistakes from the final quarter against the Spartans. But he believes experience became the best teacher in this scenario.

"Really it was taking it as a learning experience," Stephens began when addressing reporters. "Just so many different lessons and things we can learn from all aspects of that game. So just watching those things, correcting them, and getting fixed for next week is the best thing to do."

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) runs the ball as Southern California Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (23) moves in during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Stephens ended his Aug. 29 afternoon by grabbing two tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage. Yet he, too, was honest about his own performance.

"Every time I'm out there, I'm going to go and do what the coaches say. So I gave my 100 percent attitude and effort as far as technique and all those things. If there's things I need to correct, we're good with that in the film room with the coaches," Stephens said. "But as far as my attitude and effort, I gave 100 percent."

USC will need 100 percent or more out of Stephens for Sept. 4 once the Fresno State Bulldogs pull into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The newest Pac-12 representative comes with a far difference offensive approach compared to SJSU's "Spread-N-Shred" air attack. The Bulldogs, under former USC linebackers coach turned Fresno State coach Matt Entz, prefer to ground and pound through the running game for all four quarters.

Impact of Desman Stephens, Linebackers Greatly Needed

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Northwestern Wildcats tight end Robby Preckel (41) runs the ball against Southern California Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (23) during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Once again, the Bulldogs will aim to create a ball-control, punishing approach for the Week 1 primetime showdown. Plus, Entz and Fresno State offensive coordinator Josh Davis likely saw holes in the USC run defense throughout the Spartans' game, not just from the fourth quarter.

San Jos State managed to average 4.1 yards per carry in the end, rare for a team that prefers to attack through the air. SJSU took advantage of spacing and catching defenders over-pursuing on the field.

Davis mixes his personnel groupings to form mismatches, which includes heavy tight end usage. He'll align multiple tight ends at the spot he identifies as the weakest of the defense as the game wears on. He will lump in RPO (Run Pass Option) elements too, especially with new starting quarterback Jayden Mandal running the offense and bringing his own mobile background. But Davis will balance out his personnel too with multi-receiver sets to get defenses guessing on where the ball goes presnap.

Dec 27, 2025; Tucson, AZ, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Matt Entz (left) and special teams coordinator John Baxter against the Miami (OH) RedHawks during the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Mandal at quarterback, though, USC will get tested in the play action as the first-year quarterback does throw with a strong arc on his passes. He likely won't hesistate to test the intermediate side of the field where Stephens lies. Or even go after true freshman cornerback Elbert Hill IV in testing him early.

Regardless, USC needs to bury its fourth quarter defensive output to avoid a Fresno State upset. And Stephens will need to surpass the five tackle mark to hand his Trojans an advantage.

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