The USC Trojans have stayed relatively healthy during their 3-0 start to the 2025 season. One position group that has suffered the most injuries has been the defensive back room.
Prophet Brown suffered a major injury during fall camp that will keep him out for most of, if not the entire season. Lincoln Riley was hopeful that the team would get him back at some point, but no updates have been given, and based on some conversations, it is beginning to sound like a long shot.
Freshman standout Alex Graham was injured right before the season began, and we have yet to see him make his debut. He has not been ruled out for the year, but we have not received many updates, so there is a lot unknown there.
Today, the team was dealt another tough blow. After practice, Lincoln Riley informed the media that starting CB Chasen Johnson will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Riley confirms it was a knee injury.
— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) September 17, 2025
Tough blow for the CB room. https://t.co/PtCuL86A3X
USC Trojans Lose DB Chasen Johnson For Rest Of Season With Knee Injury
While the Trojans have used a heavy rotation in the secondary, Johnson has been viewed as one of the long-term starters.
He suffered a minor injury during fall camp, but came back once the season began and has been ramping up his snaps and production, as the season has progressed.
Per Chris Trevino above, Johson was seen with a knee brace after the Purdue game, and was seen on a mobile scooter today at practice.
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This is a tough blow for a unit that has struggled so far this season.
Entering Fall Camp, the USC Trojans’ DB room was seen as one of the deepest and most talented groups on the team. Injuries and inconsistent play have derailed that.
Without Johnson, the Trojans will turn to Braylon Conley as the primary outside starter alongside DeCarlos Nicholson. Marcelles Williams and DJ Harvey will continue to get reps as well, although Harvey has struggled so far this season.
We could start to see more reps from true freshmen Trestin Castro and RJ Sermons (once he returns from his own injury).
Johnson transferred to USC this offseason after starting as a true freshman for UCF last year. He was coached by Trovon Reed, who was hired as the USC Trojans’ cornerback coach during the offseason.