The USC Trojans have every piece in place to avoid a letdown season. Fans will hope Lincoln Riley doesn't underachieve with the talent he has in 2025. Kartje believes the "glaring" weakness is on offense.
Insider Unveils Glaring USC Weakness Ahead of 2025 Fall Camp originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The USC Trojans have every piece in place to avoid a letdown season. Fans will hope Lincoln Riley doesn't underachieve with the talent he has in 2025.
But one glaring weakness still resides in the Land of Troy, one insider pointed out Monday.
USC reporter for the Los Angeles Times Ryan Kartje sorted through the biggest USC questions ahead of fall camp. Including determining which area presents a major question mark.
Kartje believes the "glaring" weakness is on offense. But it's not quarterback with Jayden Maiava likely leading the huddle there. Kartje pointed out the guys in front of Maiava as the area of concern. Particularly the eligibility of one high profile lineman.
"I was concerned before we learned that the NCAA denied DJ Wingfield’s appeal for another season of eligibility. That situation is still up in the air — Wingfield has hired an attorney and will push for an injunction from the court — but USC must go forward assuming the veteran guard won’t be eligible," Kartje began.
Winfield's status puts the trenches in limbo moving forward.
"What does that mean for a line that was already thin?" Kartje asked. "My expectation is that Tobias Raymond would shift inside to right guard, while Justin Tauanuu slots in at right tackle. But count on many combinations being tested over the next month."
This unit becomes younger and more questionable amid the Winfield situation. Kartje additionally points out one projected started coming with an inability to stay on the field.
"Micah Banuelos is the other one to watch at guard, if he’s able to stay healthy," Kartje said.
Banuelos handled 21 snaps before leaving early against Utah State in Sept. 2024. The insider ended with who needs to "take the leap" in 2025.
"As for the rest of the line, USC really needs ascending starters Elijah Paige and Alani Noa to take the leap," he said.
Like Banuelos, Paige has logged in plays at LT. He played the position for all 13 games as a redshirt freshman. Noa has started in 12 total games at left guard. He now enters his junior season.
Meanwhile, Riley has two prized four-star freshmen helping fuel depth in the trenches. Alex Payne and Aaron Dunn were big 2025 signings for the last USC recruiting class. Both, though, must step in right away if the line struggles.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
