RJ Sermons Speaks Openly About Being Legacy Connection With USC Trojans

For USC cornerback RJ Sermons, playing for the Trojans has a special meaning. He’s a legacy. Sermons’ dad, Rodney, played running back for USC from 1994-97.

“The culture behind this school is everything,” Sermons said. “My dad coming here means a lot to me, and following his footsteps and continuing to become another legacy is great.”

USC Trojans Recruiting Trovon Reed Reclassify RJ Sermons Jontez Williams Legacy Chasen Johnson Gary Patterson Fall Camp — Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Throughout his football journey and especially at USC, Sermons has been able to lean on his father for guidance.

"I trust him. He's a great mentor for me and obviously him playing here, going through positives and negatives and pushing through means a lot to me," Sermons said.

Learning From Freshman Season

Sermons was a late addition to the Trojans 2025 class. Originally a five-star recruit and No. 1 cornerback in the 2026 class, Sermons reclassified during a decorated track and field season, where he recorded the second-fastest times in California in the 100 meter and 200 meter dash.

The Rancho Cucamonga (calif.) product enrolled just before the start of fall camp last August. But the plan for Sermons was to learn and develop behind the scenes so that he would be prepared for this upcoming season.

"I feel like coming in, I knew what it was going to be," Sermons said. "Building a schedule, building a routine and just keeping the main thing the main thing. Knowing that I'm here to get better, here to develop and trusting in my coaches."

USC kept him engaged throughout the season. Even though he did not take a single snap in 2025, they brought him on road trips. He would go through the normal routine as if he were preparing to play, all in effort to get accustomed to the college environment.

And heading into his second season with the program. Sermons has noticeably added muscle working under the tutelage of strength coach Trumain Carroll.

"It was very beneficial," Sermons said. "Developing with coach Tru, my coaches, learning the game more, building confidence and building myself all around as a player."

Instead of spending last season, playing his senior year of high school, he got a year of coaching from cornerback coach Trovon Reed.

"He's developed me a lot. He's a great coach," Sermons said. "He stays on me and we push to be perfect. That's really what I want, it allows me to grow and build confidence."

Leaning on Veteran Defensive Backs

Sermons is part of a heated cornerback competition that features veterans Jontez Wiliams, Chasen Johnson and Marcelles Williams and freshmen Elbert "Rock" Hill and Jayden Crowder. The entire secondary is a close-knit group that pushes each every day.

"We're all super connected. Coach P [Gary Patterson] keeps us up on communication and that brotherhood we have in there. We all bring each other along. We all pour into each other in a positive way. We're super connected like a family."

Sermons has been able to lean on the veterans in the secondary to help bring him along. Jontez Williams comes over from Iowa State and is in his fifth season. Marcelles Williams started 11 games for the Trojans in 2025. Safety Prophet Brown is entering his sixth season, all with the Trojans. Safety Christian Pierce is in his fourth year and comes from the same high school as Sermons.

"The veterans are super savvy, super smart," Sermons said. "So just leaning into their mental side of the game and them giving me coaching points on stuff they've been through. It's very helpful and you also have somebody that you look up that's doing it at a high level, so it makes it a little bit easier."

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