What's Next For USC's Running Backs After Latest Injury Update

USC Trojans' starting running backs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders are expected to be out for an extended period of time. What's next for USC's running back room heading into the matchup against the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish?

USC Trojans Waymond Jordan Eli Sanders injury King Miller running backs Michigan Wolverines Notre Dame Fighting Irish Big Ten | Ben Grieco/bgrieco@gannett.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 20 USC Trojans have taken a major hit to their running back room entering their week 8 matchup against the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend. Leading rusher Waymond Jordan is set to undergo tightrope surgery on his ankle and is expected to miss four to six weeks, first reported by CBS Sports.

Waymond Jordan's Impact On USC's Offense

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Waymond Jordan (2) runs the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

In USC's 31-13 win over the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, Jordan left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury. The former JUCO transfer running back from Hutchinson Community College has been dominant for the Trojans this season.

Jordan has rushed for 576 yards and five touchdowns on 88 carries. Jordan is third in the Big Ten in rushing behind Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson and Michigan's Justice Haynes.

Eli Sanders Also Expected to Miss Time With Injury

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Eli Sanders (1) runs the ball ahead of Michigan State Spartans defensive back Ade Willie (6) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Eli Sanders, the other leading running back for USC, went down with a knee injury in the win over Michigan. In terms of his timetable to return, it isn't positive for the rest of the season, according to USC coach Lincoln Riley. Sanders has rushed for 264 yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries this season for the Trojans.

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These two injuries are a crushing blow for USC's offense heading into their matchup against Notre Dame in South Bend on Saturday. The Trojans haven't won in South Bend since 2011, and the loss of Jordan and Sanders hurts those chances of pulling off the win.

What's Next For USC's Rushing Game Moving Forward?

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back King Miller (30) runs to the 19-yard line in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Walk-on freshman running back King Miller will need to continue to step up for USC's running game moving forward, like he did in the win over Michigan. Miller was sensational against Michigan on Saturday, rushing for a career high 158 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

With the absence of Sanders and Jordan, Miller will get the majority of the carries for USC moving forward. Sophomore running back Bryan Jackson is also expected to receive more reps for USC's rushing attack. This season for the Trojans, Jackson has 10 carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns.

Moving forward, expect USC to focus more on the passing game with quarterback Jayden Maiava and their wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane. This is generally how Riley likes to run his offense, but this season USC has shown the ability to run the football, an aspect of their game that has been missing the last few years.

USC enters Saturday night's road matchup against Notre Dame as 8.5-point underdogs according to ESPN BET Sportsbook. It is the first time this season that the Trojans are an underdog. We'll see how they take on the underdog role, especially without their two top running backs.

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