The University of Southern California is gearing up for the first test of its 2026 campaign, a home matchup against San Jose State scheduled for August 29 at the historic Coliseum. The game marks the opening chapter of a season that has already sparked considerable buzz, and among the storylines drawing particular attention is the participation of Randall Telfer, a former Trojans tight end whose name still resonates with longtime fans.
Telfer’s collegiate tenure, which spanned from 2010 to 2014, was highlighted by 65 receptions, 648 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was a cornerstone of Lane Kiffin’s inaugural recruiting class, sharing the tight end position with Xavier Grimble. The duo became known for delivering clutch performances in high‑stakes contests, with seven of Telfer’s twelve career scores coming against powerhouse opponents such as UCLA, Notre Dame and top‑10 teams.
After being selected in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns, Telfer spent two seasons on the Browns’ roster, catching five passes for 40 yards before a release cleared the path to his next chapter. He later attempted a physical with the Indianapolis Colts, only to be sidelined by injury, prompting him to focus on academics. In 2017 he earned a master’s degree from USC, a milestone that would later inform his professional pivot.
From the Field to the Front Office
Today Telfer serves as Vice President of Digital Marketing at Interscope Records in Los Angeles, where he leverages his sports‑industry experience and his USC education to craft data‑driven campaigns for a roster of high‑profile artists. The role represents a full‑circle moment, blending his knack for storytelling on the gridiron with a modern emphasis on digital engagement.
The countdown to the August 29 kickoff has become more than a scheduling note; it is a narrative that ties past and present Trojan identities together. For Telfer, the upcoming game is a reminder of the program’s evolving legacy and a personal reflection on how far he has traveled from the Coliseum’s grass to the corporate boardroom.