The 2025 USC Trojans have fans believing they'll see a more competitive product off the bat. One involves the USC offensive line. Los Angeles Times reporter Ryan Kartje pinpointed the biggest competition ahead of 2025 fall camp.
'Most Wide Open' USC Position Battle Revealed by Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2025 USC Trojans have fans believing they'll see a more competitive product off the bat. Nothing like the dismal results of the last two seasons.
But before facing Missouri State, Lincoln Riley and company still have starting spots to sort through. One involves the USC offensive line. But the other rises as the "most wide open" position battle as noted by a USC insider.
Los Angeles Times reporter Ryan Kartje pinpointed the biggest competition ahead of 2025 fall camp. And it's not behind center as Kartje believes Jayden Maiava has starting quarterback duties locked up despite Husan Longstreet's push.
Kartje wrote down this group as the one ready to feature the most heated battles for fall camp: Cornerback, for these reasons.
"Transfer DJ Harvey (San Jose State) is a shoo-in at one corner spot, but the other outside spot is very much up for grabs," Kartje began. "DeCarlos Nicholson is probably the favorite at the start of camp, but transfer Chasen Johnson (UCF) or redshirt freshman Braylon Conley, who impressed in spring, could push for the job."
CB is a pivotal position to address by Riley and defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn. Jaylin Smith vacates one spot after leaving for the NFL Draft. Greedy Vance and John Humphrey have also bequeathed spots after signing conditional free agent deals following April's draft.
Kartje pointed out one CB Riley was high on recently.
"Prophet Brown was praised by Riley at [Big Ten] media day and probably starts camp as the nickel," Kartje said. "But don’t be surprised if others challenge for the role. A lot could still change here."
This group is witnessing one more big change. Trovon Reed comes on board to coach the corners. Reed comes over from UCF. But CB, like the offensive line, is an unsettled area Riley and the Trojans need to address right away.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
