Significant news emerged from USC football on Tuesday morning: USC offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl, signaling the end of his USC career after the Trojans’ bowl game. Pregnon thinks he can pursue his NFL dream now. Based on the season he had for USC in 2024, it seems like a good decision.
Pregnon anchored this line early in the season with Jonah Monheim adjusting to a different role at center and Elijah Paige and some of the younger linemen struggling before they improved later in the year. Pregnon was the most consistent and dependable lineman in his position unit this season. He deserves a substantial amount of credit for keeping this line together and preventing it from falling apart during some rough times in late September and early October.
Pregnon’s decision changes the offensive line equation for USC in 2025. The Trojans and Josh Henson have picked up a few four-star flips in recent weeks, but as we saw this past season, bringing in recruits has to be combined with having proven veteran guys who can stand tall in September while the younger linemen get coached up during the season and grow into their roles. USC faces a delicate balance in trying to get this line right for 2025.
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