USC is gearing up for the 2026 football season, slated to open on August 29 against San Jose State, and the program has launched a “Countdown to kickoff” series that spotlights former Trojans who wore each jersey number.
One of the featured alumni is Alex Holmes, a tight end who starred for the Trojans from 2000 through 2004 and was a cornerstone of the team’s second straight national championship in 2004.
During his senior season, Holmes recorded 24 receptions for 244 yards, helping USC cap a dominant run that cemented its place in college football history.
Beyond his on‑field production, Holmes played a pivotal role in recruiting a generation of future stars, including Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, LenDale White and Dwayne Jarrett, who would go on to shape the Trojans’ legacy.
After graduating, Holmes signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2005, appearing in eight games and catching a single pass for two yards before his playing days ended.
A Brother’s Path in the Same Coliseum
Holmes’ younger brother, Khaled Holmes, also wore the Trojans’ colors, anchoring the offensive line from 2008 to 2012 and adding his own chapter to the family’s football story.
The brothers’ parallel journeys illustrate how USC’s program has served as a launchpad for talent that extends from the Pacific Northwest to the NFL, with Alex’s brief stint with the Dolphins marking the tail end of a career that began in Los Angeles.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Countdown to kickoff series not only celebrates past glories but also reminds fans that the Trojans’ impact reverberates through alumni who continue to influence the sport on and off the field.