USC starting safety Akili Arnold will reportedly be a game-time decision today against the Wisconsin Badgers, according to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Zenitz writes that Arnold ‘is currently viewed as doubtful but a final determination is expected to be made pre-game.”
Related: 10 reasons Wisconsin can beat USC on Saturday
The redshirt senior is a key member of a USC defense that has performed well to begin the 2024 season. He transferred to the Trojans after five years at Oregon State, three as a starter.
Arnold has recorded 14 total tackles, one tackle for loss, 1/2 sacks and one pass deflection so far through three weeks. He, alongside other offseason transfer additions DT Gavin Meyer, DT Nate Clifton, LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, S Kamari Ramsey and CB Greedy Vance Jr., has helped the USC defense improve dramatically from its previous FBS-worst ranking.
It will be worth monitoring Arnold’s status as Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff time nears.
USC safety Akili Arnold will be a game-time decision today vs. Wisconsin, a source tells @247sports/@CBSSports. Is currently viewed as doubtful but a final determination is expected to be made pre-game.
Sustained an injury last week vs. Michigan.https://t.co/wuS0M794fd pic.twitter.com/ZnbWMLiLQQ
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 28, 2024
USC will also be without defensive tackle Bear Alexander on Saturday, who earlier this week elected to use a redshirt and sit out the remainder of the season.
Wisconsin is looking for a statement victory to kickstart the second year of the Luke Fickell era. Its quest for that victory will come against a less-than-fully-healthy USC defensive unit.
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