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When you think of the biggest college football programs of all-time, USC is one of the first names to come up. Southern Cal has been home to some of the greatest players of all-time. 10 National Championships, eight Heisman Trophy winners, 35 College Football Hall of Famers, 14 Pro Football Hall of Fame players — USC is historic. Here are a handful of SC’s legends.
Leonard Williams
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USC Stats: 39 games played, 218 total tackles (111 solo), 35.5 tackles for loss, 20.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles (2 recoveries), 2 interceptions
From the very first time he suited up for practice as a Trojan, it was evident that Leonard Williams was going to be a star. Standing at 6-foot-5 and a tick above 300 pounds, Williams had the look of an NFL player from the jump. The defensive end dominated as a freshman, earning Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors on the strength of 8.0 sacks and 13.5 TFL. In addition to being a mountain of a man, Williams possesses elite athleticism. Consider this — when the USC star ran a 4.97 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, he became the first defensive player (at least measuring 6-foot-5, 300+ pounds) to break 5.0 seconds in 10 years. His combination of lateral quickness, power and technique off the edge led to consecutive First-Team All-American honors in 2013 and 2014.
Jack Del Rio
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USC Stats: 46 games played, 340 total tackles, 58.0 tackles for loss, Rose Bowl Co-MVP
For the younger generation of Trojan fans, the name Jack Del Rio is likely to be more strongly linked to the NFL than USC. However, before embarking on a coaching career that began in 1997 and continues to this day — current defensive coordinator for the Washington Football Team — Del Rio made a name for himself in the cardinal and gold.
In addition to being a .340 hitter for the baseball team, Del Rio was a four-year starter under John Robinson and Ted Tollner. Capable of playing along the defensive line as well as at linebacker, Del Rio forged a reputation as a hard-hitter. After earning Third-Team All-American honors as a junior, Del Rio became a Consensus All-American as a senior. A member of the USC Athletic Hall of Fame, Del Rio capped off his Trojan tenure in grand fashion, as he was named Co-MVP of the 1985 Rose Bowl — a game in which USC defeated Ohio State 20-17.
LenDale White
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USC Stats: 39 games played, 541 rushes, 3,159 yards, 52 rushing TD, 31 receptions, 331 yards, 5 TD
One part of USC’s legendary ‘Thunder and Lightning’ backfield — playing the role of thunder opposite Reggie Bush’s lightning — LenDale White may be the most underappreciated star of the past 20 years. An All-American in 2005, White was a bruising tailback for the Trojans. He finished his three-year career eighth on SC’s all-time rushing list (just 10 yards behind Bush). When the lights were brightest, so was White. After scoring three touchdowns against Oklahoma in the 2005 Orange Bowl to help SC win the National Championship, the All-American scored three more in the 2006 Rose Bowl. With 52 career rushing scores, White is atop USC’s all-time rushing TD leaderboard ahead of multiple Heisman winners.
Anthony Munoz
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At USC: Two-sport National Champion
Everyone loves a comeback story — especially when the returning party has been completely counted out. In 1979, Anthony Munoz was at the center of his own feel-good story. The best offensive tackle in the nation, Munoz enjoyed a storybook 1978. Not only was he a huge part of a Trojan team that went 12-1 and captured a National Championship, but Munoz was also a pitcher on the ’78 USC baseball team that won the College World Series.
When Munoz went down in the ’79 opener with torn ligaments in his left knee, it appeared as if his Trojan career had ended with a whimper. In a shocking twist, Munoz returned for the 1980 Rose Bowl and played a pivotal role in SC’s victory. The future No. 3 overall pick paved the way for Charles White’s Rose Bowl-record 247-yard day on the ground. For anyone who followed SC during Munoz’s tenure, it wasn’t a surprise to see the star tackle forge a Hall of Fame career in the NFL.
Dennis Thurman
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USC Stats: 77 total tackles, 13 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 7 fumble recoveries
At the beginning of Dennis Thurman’s career, he was playing the wrong position. For his freshman and sophomore campaigns, Thurman was stuck playing flanker — where he was utilized as a part-time receiver and tailback — and served as a backup safety. Thankfully for Thurman, ahead of his junior season he earned the starting role at free safety. As a first-year starter, the safety led the Pac-8 with eight interceptions — including a stretch in which he recorded an interception in seven-straight games. In 1977, Thurman earned All-American honors for the second year in a row and was deemed USC’s Defensive MVP.
Tony Boselli
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At USC: Three-time All-American, Three-time All-Pac-10
Quite simply, Tony Boselli was a dominant force in college football. Despite being 6-foot-7 and over 300 pounds, Boselli was athletic enough to play quarterback in high school. So, it makes sense that Boselli’s footwork and agility helped make him an excellent offensive tackle. A Trojan from 1991-94, Boselli made three-straight All-American and All-Pac-10 teams his final three years on campus. In his final season, Boselli took home the Morris Trophy — given to the Pac-10’s best lineman. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Boselli had the unique experience of being drafted twice — first by the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 overall and the franchise’s first-ever pick) in 1995, and again by the Houston Texans in the 2002 expansion draft.
Steve Smith
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USC Stats: 46 games played, 190 receptions, 3,019 yards, 22 TD
One-half of USC’s dynamic receiving duo from 2004-06 alongside Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. When Smith arrived on campus in 2003, he was overshadowed by Mike Williams — one of the best collegiate receivers of the past 20 years. Standing at just 6-feet, Smith was the smaller option compared to Jarrett. Still, he was a consistent threat over the course of his career and developed into one of the nation’s top receivers. Smith was also a winner. He won the Rose Bowl his freshman year, a National Championship in Year 2 (7 catches for 113 yards, 3 touchdowns in the title game), and won a second Rose Bowl as a senior. In SC history, the four-year star ranks eighth all-time in touchdowns.
Joey Browner
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USC Stats: 45 games played, 243 total tackles, 9 interceptions, 7 fumble recoveries, 3 touchdowns
How good was Joey Browner? Consider this: In 1982, Browner was named the Trojans’ Most Valuable Player — ahead of fellow defensive back Ronnie Lott. Browner truly took off at SC when he made the switch from corner to safety. He was a very productive player at corner but became an all-time great at safety. Browner was able to do it all. Whether he was breaking up passes or intercepting them, making bone-crushing tackles or recovering fumbles, Browner was always involved in the play. Somehow, his exploits weren’t recognized with All-American honors. A member of the Pac-12’s All-Century Team, Browner’s true worth has finally been recognized at the collegiate level.
Clay Matthews Jr.
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At USC: Two-time All-Pac-8, All-American, National Champion
Football is in the Matthews family blood. First, Clay Matthews Sr. played in the NFL. Following in his footsteps, both Clay Jr. and Bruce Matthews enjoyed lengthy NFL careers. Clay Jr. was an integral part of the 1974 National Champion Trojans. Although he wasn’t the fastest player on the field, Matthews was a highly effective linebacker — capable of shutting down the middle of the field on any given Saturday. Whatever speed he lacked, he made up for with his incredible tackling ability. At the end of his four-year tenure at Southern Cal, Matthews had won two Rose Bowls and became an All-American (’77). One of his sons, Clay III, continued the Matthews’ football legacy at USC and in the NFL and is preparing for his 12th year in the league.
Marqise Lee
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USC Stats: 36 games played, 248 receptions, 3,655 yards, 29 TD, 58 kick/punt returns, 1,351 yards, 2 TD
After completing a standout career at Serra High School alongside fellow Trojan Robert Woods, Marqise Lee became one of the Trojans’ most prolific wideouts. As a freshman, Lee quickly became one of the nation’s top receivers. Playing opposite Woods, the first-year Trojan put up sterling numbers — 73 receptions, 1,143 yards, 12 total touchdowns. As a sophomore, Lee put up historic numbers. En route to winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s best receiver, and earning All-American honors, Lee set multiple school records. His 345-yard effort against Arizona is the highest single-game mark in Trojan history — 85 yards ahead of No. 2. Lee’s 118 receptions and 1,721 yards are also single-season records. As it stands, Lee is first in receiving yards, second in receptions and fourth in touchdowns.
Ricky Bell
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USC Stats: 35 games played, 710 rushes, 3,689 yards, 28 rushing TD, 18 receptions, 185 yards, 1 TD
Ricky Bell doesn’t get the admiration he deserves. When you think of all-time great Trojan running backs, these are the names that usually come to mind — Charles White, Marcus Allen, O.J. Simpson, Reggie Bush. Those four backs are some of the greatest backs to play at the collegiate level, but Bell belongs in that group. A two-time All-American, Bell was an outstanding back for some great Trojan teams. In his first season, Bell averaged 6.6 yards per carry while sharing fullback duties for the 1974 National Champions. Then, in ’75, Bell put together one hell of a season.
The Los Angeles native rushed for an NCAA-best 1,957 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Bell finished third for the Heisman — losing out to Archie Griffin. Bell was back to his All-American ways in ’76, rushing for more than 1,400 yards en route to a second-place Heisman finish. Although he never claimed a Heisman, Bell ranks fourth on USC’s all-time rushing list, holds the single-game record with 347 yards, and is seventh in total rushing scores — also, being selected No. 1 overall in the 1977 NFL Draft (ahead of Tony Dorsett) is quite the consolation.
Mark Carrier
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USC Stats: 336 total tackles, 13 interceptions
USC has been home to many fantastic football players, and Mark Carrier may be amongst the best of the best. Taking over for a two-time All-American (Tim McDonald), Carrier more than held his own in McDonald’s place. In his first year as a starting safety, Carrier intercepted four passes, deflected seven additional attempts and notched 115 tackles. The following season, 1988, Carrier became an All-American on the strength of 114 tackles, 17(!) deflections and two interceptions. If Carrier had left Southern Cal after those two seasons, he would still have a place amongst the greats. Instead, Carrier came back for one last year and furthered his legacy. In making his second-straight All-American squad, Carrier nabbed seven interceptions, recovered three fumbles, added 107 tackles to his ledger and won the Jim Thorpe Award — given to the nation’s top defensive back.
Sedrick Ellis
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USC Stats: 36 games played, 142 total tackles (75 solo), 28.0 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
If Sedrick Ellis wanted to get to his spot, you weren’t going to stop him. Don’t let Ellis’ 6-foot-1 height dissuade you from the facts — he was the strongest person on the field every time he crossed the white line. Capable of bench pressing 500 pounds, Ellis was an immovable and unstoppable force on the defensive line. After spending his freshman year behind All-American Mike Patterson, Ellis took over his second season. By the time he was a junior, Ellis had solidified his place as the Pac-10’s best lineman — won the Morris Trophy in 2006 and 2007 — and began to earn national recognition. As a senior, Ellis registered 8.5 sacks en route to Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and All-American honors.
Ron Yary
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At USC: Two-time All-American, Outland Trophy, National Champion
You won’t find many people who will claim a lineman to be their favorite player. So, it wouldn’t shock us if a decent amount of readers aren’t familiar with Ron Yary. Yary, who began his college years at Cerritos College, could do it all on the field. When he first came to USC, Yary played defense and earned All-Pac-8 honors. However, Yary became an all-time great when he was moved to the offensive line as a junior.
As an offensive tackle, Yary was the main blocker for O.J. Simpson and helped pave the way to a National Championship in 1967. Yary was the perfect lineman — his technique was flawless, his power and size were unparalleled. His production in ’67 was rewarded with both the Outland Trophy and the Knute Rockney Award — given to the nation’s top lineman. The historic tackle is a member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Lynn Swann
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USC Stats: 35 games played, 95 catches, 1,562 yards, 11 TD, 216 rushing yards
When Lynn Swann played college football, throwing the ball wasn’t the main way to attack a defense. As a result, receiving numbers from the era aren’t too flashy. However, that shouldn’t take away from Swann’s legacy. After leading USC in receiving his first season with 27 catches, Swann once again led the team in receiving yards the following year en route to the 1972 National Championship. In his final year, Swann shattered his own marks and paced the Pac-8 with 42 catches, 714 yards and six scores. Again, the All-American’s numbers won’t wow you — but there is no denying Swann’s greatness at the position.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
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USC Stats: 40 games played, 213 receptions, 3,092 yards, 25 TD, 16 kick/punt returns, 185 yards
Before he became one of the most entertaining stars in the NFL, JuJu Smith-Schuster starred for the Trojans. A strong receiver, JuJu made an immediate impact in Los Angeles. As a freshman, JuJu was the team’s second-leading receiver behind Nelson Agholor — gaining 724 yards on 54 catches. The future Steeler had his best season in Year 2. An All-Pac-12 selection, JuJu caught 89 passes for 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns. Although his receptions and yards dipped in his final year, JuJu ended his Trojan tenure as one of the program’s most successful wideouts. He ranks fifth all-time in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Tim Ryan
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USC Stats: 55.0 tackles for loss, 20.0 sacks in 1989
Tim Ryan had a lot going for him. With a tree trunk for a neck, a thick mustache, curly mullet, and a neck roll that deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame, Ryan had the appearance of a great, old-school defender. A 6-foot-4 defensive tackle from Memphis, Tennessee, Ryan started as a true freshman for the Trojans — becoming the first player in eight years to accomplish the feat.
Playing on defense alongside superstars Junior Seau and Mark Carrier, Ryan became a school legend in his own right. In addition to accumulating a ridiculous 55.0 tackles for loss in four years, Carrier set SC’s single-season sack record in 1989 with 20 QB sacks. A two-time All-American, Ryan finished his Trojan career in a big way. A four-sack effort against UCLA led to a berth in the Rose Bowl and an eventual victory over Michigan — ending Southern Cal’s two-year losing streak in the Granddaddy of Them All.
Richard Wood
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At USC: 36 games played, Two-time National Champion
Nicknamed Batman due to his unique eye-black application, Richard Wood is one of the greatest college football players of all-time. When he first arrived on campus, Wood wasn’t allowed to play on the varsity squad due to the NCAA’s terrible rule that kept freshmen off the field. So, playing with a year’s worth of frustration, Wood recorded a ridiculous 18 tackles in his first game donning the cardinal and gold.
A dominating force on SC’s 1972 National Championship team, Wood intercepted five passes and led the team in tackles. Wood’s blend of high-end instincts, power, and speed led to the linebacker becoming team captain in time for his final season. To cap off his third-straight All-American season, Wood and his defensive mates stifled Ohio State’s Archie Griffin in the Rose Bowl — resulting in a second National Championship in three years.
Mike Garrett
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USC Stats: 30 games played, 612 rushes, 3,221 yards, 25 rushing TD, 36 receptions, 399 yards, 4 TD
Before he held the position of Athletic Director at USC for nearly two decades, Mike Garrett put together a terrific football career for the Trojans. A two-time All-American, Garrett was the nation’s best rusher for much of his tenure. In three years of Pac-8 play, Garrett led the conference in rushing each year. His 1,440-yard, 13-touchdown campaign in 1965 resulted in a Heisman victory. At the conclusion of his career, Garrett held the NCAA rushing record and had set a remarkable 14 NCAA records in total. Although his numbers don’t quite stack up in 2024, he remains seventh on USC’s rushing list and is unquestionably one of the finest players to have put on the cardinal and gold.
Rey Maualuga
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USC Stats: 50 games played, 273 total tackles (164 solo), 22.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 5 interceptions, 1 TD
Following a legendary high school career at St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, California, Rey Maualuga made a seamless transition to the University of Southern California. A 6-foot-2, 260-pound linebacker, Maualuga was as intense a player as you could find. Though he had a ton of success as a freshman — Freshman All-American — Maualuga faced legal troubles off the field. Thankfully, the talented backer was able to overcome his issues and earned All-Pac-10 honors as a sophomore…and again as a junior and senior. Maualuga’s storied career as a Trojan ended on a high note. Capable of playing sideline-to-sideline with a unique blend of speed and power, Maualuga was named a Unanimous All-American as a senior and won the Chuck Bednarik Award — given to the nation’s best defensive player.
Chris Claiborne
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USC Stats: Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, Dick Butkus Award
Two things from this image stick out — the No. 55 and the captain’s ‘C’ on the shoulder. If that’s all you knew about Chris Claiborne, you’d probably be able to safely assume that he was a great player — and you would be right. Claiborne’s career got off to a sterling start. As a freshman, the eventual captain tallied 116 tackles and picked off two passes. By the time he was a junior, Claiborne had become SC’s captain. In 1998, the incredible linebacker made Trojan history. For all of the sensational linebackers the program has seen perform on Saturdays, Claiborne became the first and only linebacker to win the Dick Butkus Award — recognizing the nation’s best linebacker. In addition to winning the Butkus, Claiborne was deemed an All-American and the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.
Bruce Matthews
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At USC: Two-time All-Pac-10, All-American
There was nothing Matthews couldn’t do along the offensive line. The 6-foot-5 product out of Arcadia, California, was capable of playing each position — right/left tackle, center, right/left guard, long snapper. While at Southern Cal, Matthews played alongside fellow All-Americans Roy Foster, Keith Van Horne, Dan Mosebar, and Tony Slaton. A two-time All-Pac-10 member, Matthews became an All-American as a senior. While Matthews’ SC career was memorable, his NFL journey was remarkable. Over a 19-year career, Matthews was a nine-time First-Team All-Pro — resulting in a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and being named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Sam Baker
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At USC: 3x All-American, 3x All-Pac-10
It doesn’t get much better than Sam Baker at the collegiate level. As a redshirt freshman in 2004, Baker was named USC’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, made the Freshman All-American squad and won the National Championship. In Year 2, Baker became an All-American. By the end of his tenure, Baker had secured three All-American nods — including a consensus selection in 2006 — and was a three-time winner of SC’s Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. In his four years, his Trojan teams combined for a 45-5 record and never finished below No. 5 nationally.
Caleb Williams
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USC Stats: 26 games played, completed 599-of-888 passes, 8,170 yards, 72 TD, 10 INT, 21 rushing TD
After one sensational season at Oklahoma, Caleb Williams followed head coach Lincoln Riley to USC. Williams was the best player in the nation in his first year at Southern Cal. En route to winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy, Williams threw for over 4,500 yards and tossed 42 TDs and a mere five interceptions. Williams added 10 scores on the ground and led USC to an 11-win season. While he wasn’t able to win a second Heisman in ’23, Williams did more than enough to secure his place in Trojan lore.
Taylor Mays
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USC Stats: 51 games played, 276 total tackles (160 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions
Amid Pete Carroll’s run at USC, the Trojans took the field knowing — more likely than not — that they were going to kick ass. The team often played with a swagger and intensity that couldn’t be matched by the opposition. And during his tenure, Taylor Mays was at the front of the line when it came time to kick ass. As a freshman, Mays became a hard-hitting free safety and instant star. With three interceptions to his name, Mays earned Second-Team All-American honors. In addition to being a heavy-hitter, Mays possessed blistering speed — according to Carroll, Mays ran a 4.25 40-yard dash. Starting with his sophomore year, Mays was named a First-Team All-American three-straight seasons…quite the career.
Rodney Peete
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USC Stats: Completed 630-of-1,081 passes, 8,225 yards, 54 TD, 8,640 total offensive yards
Before Carson Palmer arrived on campus and began a string of success for quarterbacks at USC, Rodney Peete was unquestionably the Trojans’ top passer all-time. The dual-threat quarterback left Southern Cal as the all-time leader in total yards — as he rushed for 415 yards and 12 TDs in addition to his passing achievements. Famously, Peete led the Trojans to two victories over Troy Aikman’s UCLA Bruins. Although Peete went 0-2 in the Rose Bowl, his All-American season in 1988 and Heisman runner-up campaign will be remembered for a long time to come.
Anthony Davis
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USC Stats: 35 games played, 784 rushes, 3,724 yards, 44 rushing TD, 47 receptions, 275 yards, 2 TD
Say hello to another underrated Trojan by the younger generation of fans, Anthony Davis — Mr. Notre Dame Killer himself. A dynamic runner and returner, Davis will forever hold a special place in SC lore. He led the Trojans in return yards and rushing — 1,191 yards in 1972, 1,112 in ’73, 1,421 in ’74 — three years in a row. He killed Notre Dame for the first time in ’72, scoring an incredible six touchdowns in a 45-23 victory. Two years later, Davis helped SC overcome a 24-0 deficit by scoring four touchdowns in an eventual 55-24 thrashing of the Irish.
In addition to rushing for over 1,400 yards and finding the end zone 15 times on offense in ’74, Davis returned six kickoffs for touchdowns — and finished second for the Heisman. Third in career rushing yards and fourth in rushing touchdowns all-time at Southern Cal, Davis also claimed two National Championships (1972 and 1974). Furthering Davis’ legacy at SC, the legend also won three National Championships with the baseball team.
Matt Barkley
USC Stats: 47 games played, completed 1,001-of-1,562 passes, 12,327 yards, 116 TD, 48 INT
Becoming the starting quarterback for a program that is coming off three-straight Rose Bowl victories is no small task. Now consider the amount of hype that surrounded Matt Barkley, and try to put yourself in his shoes — not fun, right? In 2009, Barkley became the first true freshman to start at quarterback for USC. Under Pete Carroll’s watch (his final season with SC), Barkley led the third-ranked Trojans to a road victory over No. 8 Ohio State. Unfortunately, that was the best moment of the year as the Trojans ended the regular season unranked.
After a disappointing sophomore year in which his Trojans went 8-5, Barkley exploded as a junior. En route to a sixth-place Heisman finish, Barkley amassed 3,528 yards through the air and threw 39 touchdowns versus just seven interceptions. Then, after shocking the nation by returning for his senior year, Barkley and the Trojans fell apart. After starting the 2012 season ranked No. 1, Barkley’s team sputtered to a 7-6 record — with Barkley’s season ending on a bone-shattering hit by UCLA’s Anthony Barr. Despite an average win-loss record, Barkley’s legacy is secure. He ranks first in SC history in both passing yards and touchdowns.
Willie McGinest
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USC Stats: 193 total tackles (134 solo), 29.0 sacks, 48.0 tackles for loss
One of the famed No. 55’s, Willie McGinest left a long-lasting impact at USC. If a quarterback saw McGinest coming off the edge, there was a high chance that the QB was soiling himself. McGinest was, in a word, terrifying. At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, the Long Beach native was nearly unstoppable. His junior year, 1992, was his finest — 16 sacks, 23.0 TFL. Somehow, despite his prowess at defensive end, McGinest never received All-American honors — which seems ridiculous given his three-straight All-Pac-10 nods and his place on the Pac-12’s All-Century Team.
Mike Williams
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USC Stats: 26 games played, 176 receptions, 2,579 yards, 30 TD, completed 3-of-3 passes, 57 yards, 1 TD
Mike Williams is the most skilled receiver in USC history, period. In just two seasons, Williams put up numbers that most receivers won’t accumulate in four years. The 6-foot-5 mega-talent dazzled the nation from the start. Despite receiving just two starts as a freshman, Williams hauled in 81 catches for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns. In Year 2, Williams was named a Consensus All-American on the strength of 95 receptions, 1,314 yards and 16 scores. He was faster, bigger, and stronger than everyone else. He could make the most difficult catches look routine. Mike Williams was simply dominant.
O.J. Simpson
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USC Stats: 22 games played, 674 rushes, 3,423 yards, 36 rushing TD, 36 receptions, 320 yards, completed 3-of-6 passes, 3 TD
No matter what your opinion is on O.J. Simpson the man, you cannot deny his ability on the field. Simpson was the greatest running back of his time. He had the speed, vision, and power that you need if you want to be considered an all-time great. Simpson led the nation in rushing two years in a row — 1,543 yards in 1967, and 1,880 in ’68. After finishing second for the Heisman behind UCLA’s Gary Beban in ’67, Simpson smashed the competition in ’68 to claim his trophy. The Juice won back-to-back Walter Camp Awards, took home a Maxwell Award, earned two All-American nods and won a National Championship. Despite spending just two years on campus, O.J. ranks sixth all-time at SC in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. There was no stopping The Juice.
Robert Woods
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USC Stats: 38 games played, 252 receptions, 2,930 yards, 32 TD, 86 kick/punt returns, 1,547 yards, 1 TD
A superstar at nearby Serra High School, Robert Woods always seemed destined to become a Trojan. And while he had a lot of hype as he entered college, nobody could have anticipated the amount of records he would set by the time he was done. In three years, Woods set 12 SC records — including receptions (252) — and left second in receiving scores behind only Dwayne Jarrett. Woods’ game wasn’t limited to playing receiver, as he also excelled as a kick returner as a freshman. A Consensus All-American as a sophomore, Woods hauled in a remarkable 111 passes for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Ronnie Lott
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At USC: All-American, National Champion
What is there to say about Ronnie Lott that hasn’t already been said? All-American, National Champion, College Football Hall of Famer, arguably the greatest safety of all-time. Hell, the man has an award given in his honor each year.
Ronnie Lott, a true legend of the game.
Clay Matthews III
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USC Stats: 46 games played, 97 tackles (57 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 blocked field goals
The last name Matthews carries a ton of weight at USC. Bruce Matthews was an All-American at SC from 1980-82, Clay Matthews’ dad (also named Clay) won a National Championship and was an All-American in the mid-70s, Kyle Matthews, Clay’s brother, was on the 2003 National Championship team. Still, despite his family’s past glory, not much was expected of Clay when he arrived on campus in 2004.
After graduating from Agoura High School in California, Clay joined the Trojans as a walk-on — and through three seasons at SC, he couldn’t crack the starting lineup on defense. Entering his senior year, Clay had notched a meager 40 tackles and one sack. Then, after an offseason in which he transformed his body, Matthews took off. Taking advantage of playing as a standing edge rusher — linebacker playing defensive end — Clay registered 4.5 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss. Playing with an endless motor, Clay quickly became a coveted prospect.
Dwayne Jarrett
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USC Stats: 38 games played, 216 receptions, 3,138 yards, 41 TD
Does the image above look familiar to you? We’ll forgive you if it doesn’t…after all, the ‘Bush Push’ is all anyone talks about from the legendary USC/Notre Dame game in 2005. But the famous push never happens without Dwayne Jarrett’s catch a few plays earlier. On 4th-and-8 with the game on the line, Jarrett hauled in a Matt Leinart pass and took it 60+ yards down the field to set up USC’s win. Even if he hadn’t made the catch, Jarrett did enough to remain a legendary figure at the school. After three years, Jarrett left SC as the all-time receptions leader — now ranks fourth — and the all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (still stands). A two-time Consensus All-American and National Champion, Jarrett’s legacy is secure.
Carson Palmer
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USC Stats: 53 games played, completed 927-of-1,569 passes, 11,818 yards, 72 TD, 49 INT
Carson Palmer was at Southern Cal for a long, long time. After initially arriving on campus in 1998 and appearing in 13 games, Palmer was granted an extra year of eligibility following a season-ending shoulder injury three games into his sophomore season. Once he regained his health, Palmer put together two so-so campaigns. However, he showed flashes of brilliance as a junior — setting the stage for a massive final season on campus.
Under the leadership of second-year coach Pete Carroll, the fifth-year senior suddenly became the nation’s best player. Palmer threw for more than 3,900 yards and tossed 33 touchdown passes — resulting in a Heisman triumph. In his final start as a Trojan, Palmer led his team to a 38-17 victory over No. 3 Iowa in the Orange Bowl. To this day, Palmer is second in SC history with 11,818 passing yards and fourth in touchdown passes.
Keyshawn Johnson
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USC Stats: 23 games played, 168 receptions, 2,796 yards, 16 TD
It speaks to Keyshawn Johnson’s talent that he ranks 10th all-time on USC’s receiving yards list despite being on campus for just two seasons. The 6-foot-4 wideout was always the most gifted player on the field when he laced up his cleats. In 1994, Keyshawn hauled in 66 passes for 1,362 yards and nine touchdowns — capping off his debut campaign by being named the Cotton Bowl MVP. In his second and final season, Keyshawn caught 102 passes for 1,434 yards and seven scores. A two-time All-American, Keyshawn ended his collegiate career with an incredible performance. Facing Northwestern in the 1996 Rose Bowl, the soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick hauled in 12 passes for a ridiculous 216 yards and one TD.
Junior Seau
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USC Stats: 24 games played, 107 total tackles, 33.0 tackles for loss, 23.0 sacks
Junior Seau’s arrival at Southern Cal was met with a ton of hype. Unfortunately, Seau got off on the wrong foot and was deemed ineligible due to failing SAT score. With plenty of time to think about how he let his team down, Seau added a ton of muscle to his already impressive physique. He returned to the field as a sophomore but truly became a superstar his junior year. No. 55 became an All-American and the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year — recording 19 sacks and helping lead SC to a Rose Bowl victory. Ever since Seau shined wearing No. 55, the number has only been worn by the team’s best linebacker each year.
Troy Polamalu
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USC Stats: 36 games played, 281 total tackles, 6 interceptions, 3 TD
A few years before he became known as the face of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense and Head & Shoulders, Troy Polamalu forged a strong legacy at USC. Polamalu’s SC tenure didn’t start with a bang — as the backup safety recorded only 12 tackles as a freshman. Despite the slow start, Polamalu quickly forced his way onto the field and became irreplaceable. Blessed with all the tools a star safety would want — speed, power, advanced understanding of both the offense and defense, good hands, anticipation — Polamalu became a two-time All-Pac-10 player and a Consensus All-American (2002). A two-year captain, Polamalu not only excelled at safety but on special teams as well. The College and Pro Football Hall of Famer ended his Trojan stint with four blocked punts.
Matt Leinart
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USC Stats: 39 games played, completed 807-of-1,245 passes, 10,693 yards, 99 TD, 23 INT, 1 receiving TD
He may not be the most talented quarterback in USC history, but there is nobody who accomplished more as a QB than Matt Leinart. When Leinart’s SC career began, he was forced to sit behind Carson Palmer — the 2002 Heisman Trophy winner. Upon Palmer’s departure, Leinart took over the starting job and became a superstar overnight. The lefty threw for over 3,500 yards and tossed 38 touchdown passes for the 12-1 Trojans. At season’s end, Leinart had led SC to a Rose Bowl victory, a share of the National Championship, and finished sixth for the Heisman. Somehow, it only got better for Leinart going forward.
The second-year starter led his team to a 13-0 mark in 2004, capping the season with a 55-19 thrashing of Oklahoma to clinch a second National Championship in as many years. With over 3,330 yards and 33 TD passes versus six interceptions, Leinart took home the Heisman. In his final year, Leinart once again led SC to the National Championship — ultimately losing to Texas — and finished third for the Heisman. Leinart went 37-2 as the starter and earned two titles…not bad.
Reggie Bush
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USC Stats: 39 games played, 433 rushes, 3,169 yards, 25 rushing TD, 95 receptions, 1,301 yards, 13 TD, 111 kick/punt returns, 2,081 yards, 4 TD
There have been a few electrifying players in recent years — Christian McCaffrey, Lamar Jackson, Cam Newton, Marcus Mariota — but nobody has been able to captivate the nation quite like Reggie Bush. Bush had unmatched speed, vision, spin moves, jukes and leaping ability. Seemingly every Saturday, Bush would pull something off that we hadn’t seen before. When it looked like the defense had him contained, Bush would reverse field and pick up an additional 30 yards. If defenders stood in his way, he would leap over them — just like the picture above. As a sophomore in 2004, Bush was named an All-American and finished fifth for the Heisman.
The following year, Bush put together one of the greatest seasons we have ever seen. On the ground, the ’05 Heisman winner averaged 8.7 yards per carry — finishing the season with 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns. In total, Bush amassed over 2,600 all-purpose yards. After his three-year USC career, Bush ranked 10th all-time in NCAA history with 6,541 all-purpose yards. And while his legacy is a bit complicated, there is no denying the impact he had on college football.
Charles White
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USC Stats: 49 games played, 1,147 rushes, 6,245 yards, 49 rushing TD, 59 receptions, 541 yards, 4 TD
For younger fans, the name Charles White may not be a familiar one — and that is a shame. The Los Angeles native is, unarguably, one of the greatest players in college football history. After rushing for 858 yards as a freshman, White dominated the Pac-8/Pac-10 his final three years. Not only did White lead the conference in rushing each of his last three campaigns, but the all-time great paced the nation in rushing in both his junior and senior seasons.
In 1978, White gained 1,859 yards on the ground and was named a unanimous All-American. Then, after finishing fourth for the Heisman, White took his game to another level as a senior. To capture his Heisman, White racked up 2,050 yards and found the end zone 19 times. With 6,245 career rushing yards, White is a whopping 1,435 yards ahead of the great Marcus Allen on USC’s all-time list.
Marcus Allen
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USC Stats: 48 games played, 932 rushes, 4,810 yards, 45 rushing TD, 86 receptions, 801 yards, 2 TD
When Marcus Allen was recruited to USC, the plan was for him to play defensive back. Fortunately, head coach John Robinson had the smart idea to move Allen to the other side of the ball. Now playing running back, Allen spent his first two years at Southern Cal stuck behind another all-time great — Charles White. Due to White’s presence, Allen was afforded just 145 carries through his sophomore season.
When it was finally Allen’s backfield to rule, the talented back broke out for over 1,500 yards and 15 scores. However, it wasn’t until his senior year that Allen became a true SC legend. En route to a Heisman victory, Allen rushed for 2,427 yards — becoming just the second player in NCAA history to surpass 2,000 yards in a season — and scampered for 22 touchdowns. Allen’s 4,810 yards are the second-most in school history, and with 45 career rushing touchdowns, Allen is third in SC lore.
