The University of Southern California is gearing up for the opening of its 2026 football campaign, slated for August 29 when the Trojans host San Jose State at the historic Coliseum. The date marks the 29‑day milestone in a daily countdown that the school has turned into a showcase of past legends who once wore the numbers that will soon be retired.
A Running Back’s Dual Identity
Vavae Malepeai wore the number 29 for his first five seasons in USC’s backfield before switching to number six in his final year, a move that underscored his evolving role on the roster. Over his collegiate career he amassed more than 500 rushing yards and scored at least six touchdowns in each of the 2018, 2019 and 2021 campaigns, cementing his place among the program’s reliable tailbacks.
After concluding his playing days, Malepeai transitioned into coaching, first serving as an offensive quality‑control analyst at Stanford University from 2023 through 2025. In March of the following year he was appointed running backs coach at UC Davis, where he now mentors the next generation of ball carriers.
The countdown series not only celebrates individual achievements but also ties them to the broader narrative of Trojan football, reminding fans that today’s story is part of a continuum that stretches back through decades of competition and community.