USC football has been dealt a significant blow to its offensive line after starting center Kilian O’Connor sustained a season-ending knee injury during a practice session on Wednesday. Head coach Lincoln Riley characterized the incident as a non-contact injury and confirmed that O’Connor will not participate in games during the 2026 season. Riley expressed the emotional difficulty of the situation, noting O’Connor’s remarkable journey from walk-on status to becoming a core member of the team.
O’Connor joined the program as a walk-on in the 2022 signing class and gradually developed into a key player. He earned recognition when the Rimington Trophy committee announced him as a candidate for the award given to the nation’s best center. The timing of the injury comes just weeks before USC’s scheduled matchup against San Jose State on Aug. 29.
The loss of O’Connor creates a challenge for USC’s offensive line depth. The program has identified several potential replacements, including guard Tobias Raymond, who could transition to center duties, as well as redshirt freshman Willi Wascher and true freshman Kannon Smith, both three-star recruits. Last season, the Trojans used seven different starting combinations along the offensive line despite player absences.
Despite the lineup changes, USC’s offensive line performed effectively in recent play, allowing 1.15 sacks per game, which ranked 14th nationally, while the rushing attack averaged 169.5 yards per game and 5.15 yards per carry. The team maintains experienced players at the other four positions, with Elijah Page returning at left tackle and Justin Tauanuu back at right tackle. USC entered the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll at No. 14 earlier this week.
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