The 2026 college football season will feature an unusual twist for the USC Trojans: they will meet six players who once wore the cardinal and gold before embarking on new collegiate journeys.
Among them are Deijon Laffitte and Gino Quinones, both of whom transferred to Fresno State after leaving USC. Laffitte has compiled 28 tackles and three sacks over two seasons with the Bulldogs, while Quinones added a sack and an interception to his résumé.
Defensive lineman Bear Alexander, who helped anchor the Trojans’ front line, now anchors the Oregon Ducks’ defensive front. In 2025 he logged 50 tackles and a sack, underscoring his continued growth.
Kade Eldridge, a former Trojans tight end, has found a niche with the Washington Huskies, where he has recorded four catches for 25 yards so far this season.
Running back Bryan Jackson, who rushed for 311 yards and five touchdowns at Wisconsin, brings a potent ground attack to the Badgers, a team hoping to climb back into the national conversation.
Harry Dalton III, another former Trojans back, is in his sophomore year at Maryland. He amassed 44 rushing yards as a freshman and is now a key piece of a Terrapins squad aiming to return to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2023.
A Fresh Narrative for the Trojans
The upcoming matchups promise more than just statistical curiosities; they offer storylines that could influence recruiting, fan engagement, and the broader narrative of player development across the Pac‑12 and its neighboring conferences.
For USC, the presence of former players on opposing rosters adds a personal dimension to the schedule, reminding fans that college football is as much about the people who wear the jersey as it is about the games themselves.