Does USC have enough pieces on defense to make the College Football Playoff this season? We talked about this question in a separate piece, getting the insights of USC football analyst Tim Prangley.
The appropriate and primary point of focus for USC this season has to be the defense. We know the offense is going to be great as long as Caleb Williams and most of the offensive line remain healthy, but it’s on defense where USC faces so many questions. The hope within the program is that with another year of strength and weight training, plus added exposure to Alex Grinch’s scheme, guys will be more advanced in their physical development and their awareness of what’s happening on the field.
Then consider the new recruits (Tackett Curtis) and the transfer portal additions (Anthony Lucas, Christian Roland-Wallace, Mason Cobb, Jack Sullivan, and others) which will add depth to the roster. Then add the injured players who, if healthy, will give USC even more bodies: Domani Jackson and Romello Height come to mind here (and there are others).
Among these defensive players, which pieces are the most important ones? We will look at those indispensable defensive players, plus the biggest and most important offensive players, in this 2023 list, which will be unveiled below.
Here we go: