USC is gearing up for the first game of its 2026 football season, slated for August 29 when the Trojans travel to face San Jose State. The matchup marks the start of a highly anticipated campaign, and the university has turned the buildup into a daily countdown that spotlights former players who made an impact with each jersey number.
A Versatile Trojan
Nick Howell, who suited up for USC from 2005 through 2009, was more than a one‑position lineman. He redshirted in his freshman year, saw extensive action at guard and tackle in 2006, missed most of 2007 because of injury, then contributed as a reserve on the interior line in 2008 and 2009. Coaches praised his adaptability, noting that he could slide between the five spots on the offensive front without missing a beat.
After going undrafted in 2010, Howell signed with the Tennessee Titans and later spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, the New Orleans Saints and the Oakland Raiders. Though his professional tenure was brief, the experience cemented his connection to the Trojan network and kept his name in the conversation among alumni who follow the NFL.
Family Ties and a National Championship
Howell’s father, Pat Howell, was an All‑American offensive lineman at USC in the late 1970s and was a key piece of the 1978 national championship team. The elder Howell’s legacy looms large over his son’s story, illustrating a lineage of Trojan linemen who have left their mark on college and professional football.
The countdown series itself is more than a nostalgic look back; it serves as a rallying point for current players and fans alike, reminding the Trojan faithful that each number carries a story worth celebrating as the new season approaches.