USC’s senior offensive lineman Kilian O’Connor saw his 2025 campaign cut short when a non‑contact injury during fall camp forced him to the sidelines for the remainder of the season.
The injury adds to a pattern of knee issues that have limited O’Connor to just eight games over the past two years, yet his impact on the Trojans extends far beyond the statistics.
Teammates and coaches have repeatedly highlighted O’Connor’s leadership, noting that his work ethic and presence in the locker room set a standard for the entire unit.
A New Era for the Trojans' Front Line
Redshirt junior Tobias Raymond is slated to take over as the starting center after O’Connor’s offseason knee surgery, giving the program a proven backup with extensive experience at the position.
Raymond will not be alone; the Trojans also return redshirt sophomore Kaylon Miller, redshirt freshman Wilie Wascher and true freshman Kannon Smith, providing depth that was missing a year ago.
The offensive line remains one of the program’s strongest assets, with all five starters from the previous season returning and a total of seven linemen available for rotation.
The team opens the season on August 29 against San Jose State, with quarterback Jayden Maiava leading an attack that also features backfield standouts King Miller and Waymond Jordan.