The excitement surrounding USC’s 2026 football season reaches a crescendo as the team prepares to open its campaign on August 29 against San Jose State. In the countdown to that first game, former Trojans offensive lineman Khaled Holmes has become a central figure in the story, linking his past as a college standout with his present role on the sidelines.
A Journey From the Trenches to the Sideline
Holmes first made his mark at USC as a redshirt freshman in 2008, initially backing up at guard before earning a starting role at right guard under head coach Lane Kiffin in 2010. The following year he shifted to center, anchoring the line for two more seasons. By his senior year in 2012 he had been named first‑team All‑Pac‑12 and was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top interior linemen.
After graduating, Holmes entered the NFL draft and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round. He spent three seasons with the Colts, appearing in 17 games before being released in 2016. Brief stints with the Chicago Bears and New York Giants followed, though he never recorded a regular‑season snap for either franchise.
Off the field, Holmes comes from a football family; his older brother Alex played tight end at USC from 2000 to 2004. That lineage helped shape Khaled’s early exposure to the sport, eventually leading him back to Southern California where he played prep football at Mater Dei High School from 2004 to 2007.
Since 2023 Holmes has served as an assistant coach at Mater Dei High School, where he now mentors the next generation of linemen. His experience, from the Pac‑12 battlefields to the NFL draft, provides a unique perspective that complements the Trojans’ current coaching staff as they fine‑tune preparations for the upcoming season.
The connection to Lane Kiffin remains a point of reference for Holmes, who often recalls the aggressive, down‑hill style of play that defined his time under the former USC head coach. That philosophy continues to influence the Trojans’ approach as they look to build on recent successes and make a strong start against San Jose State.