The USC Trojans will have their biggest test of the season this Saturday when they play the 23rd-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini in Champaign. The Trojans are hopeful to get some reinforcements back from injury, and head coach Lincoln Riley provided a very brief update on that after practice on Wednesday.
In terms of the secondary, Alex Graham and Prophet Brown are the big names who have a lot of anticipation.
Brown was injured early in camp, and Riley told us in the media that he would be out indefinitely. The hope was that he would return at some point during the season, but no timetable was given.
USC Trojans Injury Update
Today was the first time we’ve heard any update since camp. Riley said that Brown is progressing but is still several weeks away. He added that the team is exploring the medical redshirt option.
Lincoln Riley said senior DB Prophet Brown is progressing but still “several weeks” away. #USC
— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) September 25, 2025
They are exploring a medical redshirt if it gets to that point.
I don’t want to speculate, but reading between the lines, anytime a team starts to explore the medical redshirt option, it’s never a good sign. There is still a chance that Brown returns, but it is looking less likely.
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Alex Graham, on the other hand, is much closer. Riley told reporters that Graham is progressing faster than expected and is a little ahead in his recovery.
Expect Alex Graham to return after the bye week.
— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) September 25, 2025
"The hope is he can be ready after that," Lincoln Riley said. https://t.co/QJEhcK2ler
It still feels unlikely that he plays this week, but with the bye following the Illinois game, it feels very conceivable that he makes his USC Trojans debut at home against Michigan.
In terms of other notable injuries, there has been no update on left tackle Elijah Paige. It feels less likely that he will play this week, but we will hopefully know more towards the end of the week.
Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane has practiced this week, so it feels like he will be a game-time decision again, so he should make the trip.
We will provide more updates as we receive them.