From Los Angeles to Buffalo
The University of Southern California is gearing up for the opening game of its 2026 football season, scheduled for August 29 against San Jose State. The matchup marks the start of a countdown series that spotlights former Trojans who have left a mark on the program.
Among those featured is Anthony Sarao, a linebacker who wore the cardinal and gold from 2011 through 2015. He began as a key backup in his redshirt freshman year, earned a starting role midway through his junior season, and capped his collegiate career as a team captain in his senior year.
Sarao’s statistical footprint includes 216 total tackles, seven sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and a touchdown. Although he went undrafted in 2016, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent before moving on to a brief stint in the Canadian Football League.
After his playing days, Sarao transitioned into coaching, joining the Buffalo Bills’ strength and conditioning staff. Based in Buffalo, New York, he now helps shape the physical development of the team’s roster.
The journey of the former Trojan reflects a broader narrative of perseverance, from the West Coast campuses of Los Angeles to the football fields of Indiana and finally to the icy shores of Buffalo, where his expertise contributes to the Bills’ ongoing pursuit of excellence.