USC Trojans Secondary Finding Clarity In After Tumultuous Offseason

The USC Trojans came into the season with lot of question marks surrounding their secondary apart from safety Kamari Ramsey. With a mix of newcomers and returnees, the new-look USC secondary has meshed well en route to a 3-0 record to begin the year.

Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) reacts after a play in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans came into this season with newcomers all over the field, but especially in the secondary. Ultimately, USC defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn and secondary coach Doug Belk have had to replace four out-going starting seniors in Greedy Vance Jr., Jaylin Smith, Akili Arnold, and Jacobe Covington with a mix of talented transfers and savvy returnees.

So far, the Trojans' new-look secondary has looked serviceable but has yet to be truly tested. With Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles coming to town this weekend, the position group has a real chance to shine vs. a talented Big Ten gunslinger.

Transfers Proving Their Worth

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the game against the Missouri State Bears at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

One of USC's key newcomers this offseason was NC State transfer Bishop Fitzgerald. A welcomed addition at safety, Fitzgerald has been a ballhawk through the first three games. He leads the team with three interceptions and is the only Trojan with more than one. Fitzgerald is second on the team in tackles with 15.

San Jose State transfer DJ Harvey has proved to be a worthwhile addition to the Men of Troy at cornerback. He's put together four tackles, but more importantly has been serviceable in coverage.

Returnees Impressing

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Nitro Tuggle (0) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of USC Trojans cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson (17) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

After almost leaving the Trojans over the offseason via transfer portal, cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson has settled into a solid role within the secondary. One of the most experienced members in the position group, Nicholson has recorded three tackles and one interception through three games.

Safety Christian Pierce has waited a long time to get significant snaps in game and now in his junior season, he has gotten it. Having made his first career start this season, Pierce has taken advantage of his opportunity. He's accumulated nine tackles, including two tackles for loss, and one pass deflection

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Bad Injury Luck

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The Trojans' secondary has been affected by the injury bug this season. Cornerback Chasen Johnson did not begin the season healthy enough to suit up for their season opener vs. Missouri State after being limited for a significant time during fall camp . He was able to heal up quick enough to make his USC debut vs. Georgia Southern in their second game a week later.

In the midst of fall camp, projected starting nickel Prophet Brown suffered an injury that will continue to cost him a few more games. He had an inside track to a starting gig after appearing in all 13 games last season, making 11 tackles and one PBU.

Following Brown's injury, true freshman Alex Graham was thought of as potentially the guy to replace him at the nickel spot. However, he too also sustained an injury that forced him to miss the season opener. He has yet to return, but with Ramsey moving to nickel and filling in admirably, it is unlikely Graham would be rushed back.