Story by
USC football news: ESPN urges not to sleep on freshman DB as breakout candidate
- Story by
- USC football news: ESPN urges not to sleep on freshman DB as breakout candidate
USC football news: ESPN urges not to sleep on freshman DB as breakout candidate appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Expectations will be high on Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans as they seek players to emerge as standout players on both sides of the ball.
Advertisement
The 2026 season will be crucial for Riley, seeking to lead the program to the CFP bracket. Having obtained winning seasons throughout his USC stint, he looks to take that big step in serious contention.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg put together a list of players he expects to break out for their respective teams. For USC, he named defensive back Alex Graham as one who can shine in the defense and become a viable option for team to rely on in crucial moments.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
"USC's secondary will have a different flavor under new coordinator Gary Patterson, as Prophet Brown and Chasen Johnson return from injuries, and Jontez Williams , an All-Big 12 cornerback at Iowa State in 2024, transferred onto the team. But Graham will be a factor, likely at the nickel spot. He was in line to play significantly for USC as a true freshman in 2025, but an injury delayed his impact. Graham started USC's final two games against UCLA and against TCU in the Alamo Bowl, combining for all 15 of his tackles in those two contests," Rittenberg wrote.
Advertisement
"We're really excited about Alex," USC coach Lincoln Riley told ESPN. "He had a really nice bowl game. Kid probably would have played a lot for us as a true freshman, got injured right before the first game, but came back and played some meaningful snaps for us in the last couple. I certainly believe he's going to factor in."
What lies ahead for Alex Graham, USC this season
If Alex Graham can break out as a key defender, Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans will greatly benefit from his efforts.
USC is coming off a solid 2025 campaign under Riley, finishing with a 9-4 overall record. They went 7-2 against Big Ten opponents, ending the season with a 30-27 loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl.
Advertisement
The No. 14 Trojans will get their season underway at home. They host the San Jose State Spartans on Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. ET.
Related: Fall camp tea leaves hint at monster Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed season
Related: Three thoughts about Delaware State's close win over Stony Brook
