Micah Huff's 5 biggest X-factors for the USC Trojans' 2026 defense

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Micah Huff's 5 biggest X-factors for the USC Trojans' 2026 defense

Micah Huff, Trojans Wire · Trojans Wire

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 ·

3 min read

Alex VanSumeren, defensive tackle

Alex VanSumeren has quickly emerged as a leader on the defense, and he will be the glue that will take this defensive line to the next level. A big issue the Trojans struggled with last season and in previous years is stopping the run. Trojans have also struggled with toughness. VanSumeren's best ability comes right in that category, and he is as tough as they come. He will be one of the most important players on this defense this season.

Kam Crawford, defensive end

With Jahkeem Stewart set to miss the beginning of the season, it will take a couple of guys stepping up on the defensive line. Junior Kam Crawford is coming off a promising sophomore season. Last year, Crawford posted 5.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and 41 total tackles. His junior season will be another step forward for Crawford, and I see him becoming that elite guy off the edge for the Trojans.

Braylon Shelby, defensive end

The Oregon Ducks have an elite duo off the edge, and if you look closely at this Trojans roster, there are some guys who can become special off the edge very soon. Braylon Shelby is one of those guys. Shelby is one of the most experienced guys on the Trojans this year. Shelby played all 13 games last year and had 6 starts. He was extremely productive, having 4.5 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, and 29 total tackles. He and Crawford both can become the Trojans pass-rushing duo that wreaks havoc. Last season, his 4 quarterback hurries and 4.5 sacks were just the beginning for him. This year, in a starting role, he will take his game to another level.

Desman Stephens, linebacker

Stephens last year was not your typical sophomore, as he had 89 total tackles and 3 tackles for a loss in his 13 starts. He now enters his junior season with newfound confidence. He will also have Mike Ekeler and Gary Patterson helping him take his game to the next level. It would be to the surprise of no one following USC when this guy becomes a household name and is at the top of his position after this season. He will be a huge reason why the Trojans' run defense will drastically improve.

Kennedy Urlacher, safety

The last few seasons, the Trojans have gotten really good play from the safety position. This season, they will have a big name in the back end. Kennedy Urlacher, son of Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, will look to make a name for himself. In 3 starts last season, he showed he can be the safety of the future as Kamari Ramsey missed some time. Vs the Oregon Ducks, Urlacher had 9 tackles and an interception. As a whole, last season he had 26 tackles. There is no competition this year at his position, and he is the guy in the back end. This year, I think that in that role he will take off for USC.

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