The USC Trojans just capped off an epic 17-point comeback win over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl. It was a roller-coaster of a game that saw QB Jayden Maiava throw three interceptions, but also four touchdowns, including the game-winner to Kyle Ford.
The walk-off touchdown for Ford was a Hollywood ending to a collegiate career that went off-script multiple times.
Kyle Ford’s Tumultuous Career
Ford was a 5-star recruit out of Orange Lutheran who had a ton of hype when he committed to USC. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in his senior year that delayed the beginning of his collegiate career.
Ford did see action in four games as a freshman but was able to utilize a redshirt year and prepare for a bigger role in 2020. Again, disaster struck as he tore ligaments in his knee and missed the entire 2020 season.
Ford, was relatively healthy in 2021 and 2022 (Lincoln Riley’s first season as head coach), but was never able to become a featured part of the offense. He finished the 2022 season with 20 catches, for 365 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
In 2023 he surprisingly transferred to cross-town rival UCLA. It was a frustrating year with the Bruins where he earned 22 receptions, 236 yards, and 1 touchdown.
At the end of the season, he transferred back to USC for his final year of eligibility.
While the 2024 season was an up-and-down roller coaster, the ending was storybook for Ford.
Down 3, with just over a minute remaining, the Trojans drove down the field with an opportunity to win the game in the final seconds or kick a field goal to send the game to overtime.
Kyle Ford’s number was called and he delivered a game-winning touchdown reception on a beautiful crossing route into the end zone.
According to OptaStats, he became the first FBS player to score a touchdown for the game-winning points in the final 10 seconds of his final collegiate game since Iowa’s Warren Holloway did it in the Capital One Bowl on January 1, 2005.
Storybook Ending For USC Trojans WR Kyle Ford
As the saying goes, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. Immediately after securing the touchdown, Ford collapsed to the ground, taking in the moment.
After the game, he said that “all of his emotions rushed back.”
Also Read: USC Trojans 2025 Transfer Portal Tracker
The game of football has a poetic way of being, and that is certainly the case for Kyle Ford and his career. Now he will have the opportunity to go on and get drafted into the NFL.
A true Trojan, and is now a player in the College Football history books.