The USC Trojans just got a big boost to their offensive line. USCFootball.com is reporting that redshirt junior offensive lineman Jonah Monheim is planning to return for the 2024 season.
After losing starting center Justin Dedich and Jarrett Kingston to graduation, and occasional starter Michael Tarquin to the transfer portal, Monheim will be integral in bringing some continuity to the trenches in 2024.
The unit should also return left guard starter Emmanuel Pregnon, rotational starter Mason Murphy, and freshman Elijah Paige. Paige started at left tackle in the Holiday Bowl and looked fantastic, which should have USC Trojans fans very enthusiastic.
After suffering a season-ending knee injury early in the season, Gino Quinones could also return, while Freshman Alani Noa began the season as the starter at guard and will battle to regain the full-time starting role.
Jonah Monheim was a team captain this past season and will be a very important piece to a unit that will need to get bigger and stronger as the USC Trojans head to the Big Ten Conference next season.
USC Trojans Starting Tackle Set To Return For 2024
Aside from the aforementioned players above, the Trojans have a lot of talented youth in the trenches that they can build around. 10 offensive linemen have been added between the 2023 and 2024 classes headlined by Paige last year, and Jason Zandamela in the ’24 class.
Monheim will be tasked with unifying the group and being the anchor of the unit.
All signs point to Miller Moss calling the shots next season. He looked great in the Holiday Bowl, but the offensive line will have to be substantially better next season as they will face much bigger fronts in the Big Ten. The return of Monheim will certainly give a welcomed boost.