USC Football's biggest studs and duds from Week 1 vs Fresno State
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USC Football's biggest studs and duds from Week 1 vs Fresno State
Micah Huff, Trojans Wire·Trojans Wire
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3 min read
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In the first two games of the 2026 season, theUSCTrojanshave gotten consistent elite performances from their stars. On defense, they have one bona fide disruptor inJide Abasiri, while other young guys are gaining confidence.Jayden Maiavahas this offense humming, and his freshmen weapons are getting better each week.
Here are the biggest studs and duds from theUSC Trojans' second game of the season:
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Jayden Maiava
Last week, Maiava had a great, encouraging performance. In Game 2, Maiava delivered a Heisman-level performance. Maiava looks more confident and much improved early this season. He showed against theBulldogsthat he can still put the cape on and lead the Trojans to where they need to be. The Trojans will go very far with Maiava playing the way he has in the first 2 games.
Trent Mosley, for another game, made some electric plays. He caught a 68-yard touchdown to get the energy up. He is super explosive. He will be the driving force of this offense this season. Jayden Maiava has the utmost trust in him to make plays, which will set up Mosley to have an elite freshman season.
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Kayden Dixon-Wyatt
Dixon-Wyatt matched exactly the level Trent Mosley has been playing at lately in this game. He made a superstar receiver type of catch. He made big plays all game long. He and Mosley both eclipsed 100 yards receiving. Jayden Maiava has weapons now, in his two freshman targets.
Jadyn Ramos
Ramos shined again, and he is quickly becoming an underrated star on the Trojans' defense. Ramos had 3 tackles and 1 sack on the day. He played a key role on the Trojans' defensive line, feasting on the Bulldogs' offensive line and quarterback.
Jide Abasiri
Jide Abasiri is making a name for himself to start this season. He has been a disruptor and a force for this Trojans defense. He is the best player on that unit, and in Week 1 he showed that once again. Abasiri had 6 quarterback pressures, 3 quarterback hits, and a 54.5% pressure win rate. He has been great against the run, and he has been living in quarterbacks' nightmares. He forced 2 safeties in the game with his penetration and got home for 1 sack. His stardom is continuing to rise.
Urlacher, now being coached by Gary Patterson, is really shining in his nickel role. Urlacher was a breakout star against the Bulldogs as he tallied 3 total tackles and 2 sacks. He was unstoppable in blitz situations, very reminiscent of his dad, Brian Urlacher. Excited to see him continue to stack good performances.
Just like Urlacher, when Graham blitzed from the corner position, he was successful. Graham put all of his excitement and promise from the offseason together and shone against the Bulldogs. Graham had 4 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. He is another young defensive player to be excited about.
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Here are some duds from Game 2:
Boobie Feaster
Boobie Feaster has not been able to find his footing just yet in the offense. Many other freshmen have been able to show out with their targets. Feaster was one of the most exciting freshmen coming into this season, but it appears patience will have to be in order for him.
Tanook Hines' return was a big deal. To start the game, he caught a touchdown pass on a nice play connecting with Jayden Maiava. However, in this game it was evident that Trent Mosley is the guy at receiver. To make matters tougher, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt also was phenomenal. Hines getting healthier and ramping up is most important, but he may not be the Trojans' top guy anymore.
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley leaves the field against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Southern California Trojans long snapper Luke Brown (53) snaps the ball against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA;Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jayden Mandal (7) throws the ball against Southern California Trojans cornerback Alex Graham (7) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Waymond Jordan (2) carries the ball against Fresno State Bulldogs defensive lineman Jahzon Jacks (6) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Trent Mosley (4) s cores on a 68-yard touchdown reception against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back King Miller (8) carries the ball against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) celebrates after a touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Deshonne Redeaux (6) carries the ball on a 5-yard touchdown run against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (left) and Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Matt Entz shake hands after the game at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans safety Kennedy Urlacher (9) leads the Spirit of Troy marching band to a rendition of Tribute to Troy after the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley leaves the field against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley leaves the field against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Southern California Trojans long snapper Luke Brown (53) snaps the ball against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA;Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jayden Mandal (7) throws the ball against Southern California Trojans cornerback Alex Graham (7) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Waymond Jordan (2) carries the ball against Fresno State Bulldogs defensive lineman Jahzon Jacks (6) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Trent Mosley (4) s cores on a 68-yard touchdown reception against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back King Miller (8) carries the ball against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) celebrates after a touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Deshonne Redeaux (6) carries the ball on a 5-yard touchdown run against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (left) and Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Matt Entz shake hands after the game at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/11
Photos from USC’s domination of Fresno State
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans safety Kennedy Urlacher (9) leads the Spirit of Troy marching band to a rendition of Tribute to Troy after the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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