Micah Huff's bold predictions for 2026 USC Trojans defense

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Micah Huff's bold predictions for 2026 USC Trojans defense

Micah Huff, Trojans Wire · Trojans Wire

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 ·

3 min read

Jontez Williams will have 4+ interceptions

Jontez Williams is fully healthy, and he will be a driving force for the success of the Trojans' defense. With a great defensive mind like Gary Patterson, I believe his best traits will be utilized exactly how they should be. His versatility will stand out and shine. The best part of his game, him being a ball magnet, will be on full display this season. I think Jontez Williams will lead the Trojans in interceptions this season with at least 4.

Kennedy Urlacher will lead Trojans in tackles

Kennedy Urlacher shined whenever he got the opportunity last season. Now, in a full starting role, I think he will emerge as one of the best players on the defense. That will be directly seen in the tackle production he puts up this season. This year, Urlacher will lead the Trojans in tackles and really slot into the role of that Kamari Ramsey and Calen Bullock type of player for this year's Trojans squad.

Braylon Shelby will lead Trojans in sacks

Off the edge, Shelby is the player with the most experience, as he is heading into his senior year. I think his final season will be his best year. He will build off of last year's 4.5 sacks. He only got 6 starts last year. This year, he will be one of the main guys off the edge. Gary Patterson will be a factor in him reaching new heights, as well as a better defensive line supporting cast. The Trojans have a complete defensive line and some disruptors in the middle. All of that, along with Shelby being super talented, will lead to him having the most sack production on the Trojans.

Luke Wafle will have 5 sacks this year

Luke Wafle is a freshman who will be expected to be the cornerstone of this program on defense for many years. I think the beginning of his collegiate career will be impactful. He has the Big Ten football size already, and he has been really challenging a good Trojans offensive line in camp. I expect him to get some production early in the season against non-conference opponents, and then finish the year with 5 sacks as a freshman.

Jahkeem Stewart will be Big Ten first-team

Jahkeem Stewart will miss the beginning of the season, but once he gets back on the field, I expect him to pick up right where he left off last season. Stewart will be one of the biggest stars on a promising defensive line, and with all the depth and talent that is on this unit, that will open the door for him to take that next step. When the Trojans play the toughest part of their schedule, they will need Stewart to be present and at his best. I think it will be an elite season for Stewart this year in many categories, propelling him to be named to the Big Ten First Team as a sophomore.

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