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USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans OL Matt Kalil
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- USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans OL Matt Kalil
Countdown to kickoff is back! USC will kick off its 2026 football season on August 29 when the Trojans host San Jose State at the Coliseum. In this series, we will be counting down the days until the season opener by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number.
Position: Offensive line
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Years played at USC: 2008-2011
Career highlights: Kalil redshirted his first season at USC in 2008. In 2009, he served as a backup offensive tackle, primarily playing on special teams. After making his first career start in the 2009 Emerald Bowl against Boston College , Kalil won USC's starting left tackle job prior to the 2010 season—a role he would hold for the next two years. In 2011, he was named a first-team All-American and won the Morris Trophy as the top lineman in the Pac-12 Conference.
After USC: Following his redshirt junior season, Kalil declared for the 2012 NFL draft, where the Minnesota Vikings selected Kalil him the fourth overall pick. He would go on to play seven seasons in the league—five with Minnesota and two with the Carolina Panthers . Kalil's best year came as a rookie in 2012, when he was named to both the Pro Bowl and the league's All-Rookie team.
Kalil's older brother, Ryan, also played offensive line at USC from 2003-2006. In their retirement from football, the two brothers have launched a tequila company together.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football countdown to kickoff recalls Trojans OL Matt Kalil
