Kilian O’Connor is out for the season. Non-contact injury. Surgery done. Tough blow. Especially given his walk-on-to-starter story and what he meant in the USC Trojans locker room.
Here’s the current projection for the offensive line heading into the rest of fall camp and the regular season. It’s largely the same as my post-spring view, with the obvious adjustment at center.
Full Breakdown On Our USC LAFB YouTube Channel HERE
USC Trojans Starting Five
Left Tackle
Elijah Paige
No question. One of the most talented linemen on the USC Trojans roster. Has the tools to be one of the better tackles in the country. Consistency and that nasty edge are the only real questions. Health matters too. Still the clear starter.
Left Guard
Hayden Treter
Still the pick here. Limited game experience, but he’s been in the program, finally healthy last year, and his size + development look strong. Coaches have spoken positively about him. Experience is the concern, but the projection holds.
Center
Tobias Raymond
This is the most straightforward move now. Raymond was already the post-spring projection at center. With O’Connor out, make it official. He’s the most versatile and best overall lineman on the team. Locking him in at center helps his long-term (NFL) projection too. Other names exist (Willi Wascher, Kannon Smith), but Raymond is the no-brainer.
Right Guard
Alani Noa
Still holds the spot for now. It’s a real battle. Breck Kolojay is going to be a star and will get plenty of early-season reps against the lighter non-conference slate. Kolojay may force his way into the starting lineup by the time Big Ten play starts. Right now, though, Noah is my projected starter for Week 1.
Right Tackle
Elijah Vaikona
This one has gone back and forth. Justin Tauanuu is a good player and was hurt all spring, which set him back in the competition. Vaikona has steadily improved as a technician while keeping the size and strength. Edge for me currently goes to Vaikona.
USC Trojans Projected Starting Five (same as post-spring)
Paige – Treter – Raymond – Noa – Vaikona
Two-Deep Notes
Backup LT: Keenyi Pepe
Keep him at tackle. That’s where his long-term future is. Moving him inside just because Raymond slides to center doesn’t make as much sense as letting him develop as a tackle.
Guard Depth
Breck Kolojay is the clear next man up behind Treter and Noa for the USC Trojans. After that, Kaylon Miller (who has put on good weight and the staff likes).
Freshmen like John Fafita and Esun Tafa are more developmental right now. Limited buzz so far on where they sit.
Justin Tauanuu is in an interesting spot. Does he continue to battle Vaikona and/or Pepe for the starting right tackle spot, or do they slide him inside at guard? Either way, he is a very talented player who will still compete to start, and at worst, be an extremely valuable depth piece.
Vlad Dyakonov is a name to watch. He has turned heads at USC Trojans camp.
Aaron Dunn is another player who has developed nicely, and the coaching is very high on his projection. He is a tireless worker.
We are only one week into fall camp, so still plenty of time to work everything out. Make sure to follow me on X (@RyanDyrudLAFB) and become a member over on the USC LAFB YouTube Channel to stay in the know!