USC is gearing up for the start of its 2026 football season, slated to open on August 29 at the Coliseum against San Jose State. The countdown has reached 36 days, prompting the program to shine a spotlight on former players whose numbers will soon be celebrated.
A Legend of the Trojans
Mosi Tatupu, who wore the Trojans’ fullback spot from 1974 to 1977, remains one of the most revered figures in the school’s storied history. During his tenure he helped pave the way for star running backs Ricky Bell and Charles White, whose own careers would later flourish in the NFL.
After being selected by the New England Patriots in the eighth round of the 1978 draft, Tatupu carved out a 13‑year career that was defined by his prowess on special teams. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 1986 and was later honored with the Mosi Tatupu Award, given annually to the nation’s top college special‑teams player from 1997 through 2006.
A Family Legacy
Tatupu’s influence extended beyond his own achievements. His son, Lofa Tatupu, emerged as an All‑American linebacker on USC’s early‑2000s championship teams, continuing the family’s deep connection to the program. After hanging up his cleats, Mosi moved into coaching at the high school and Division III levels in Massachusetts, where he mentored younger athletes and shared his love of the game.
Tragically, Tatupu’s life was cut short in 2010 when he died at the age of 54 from complications related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition linked to the repeated hits he absorbed on the field. His story is a reminder of both the triumphs and the sacrifices inherent in football.
The upcoming season will not only mark the debut of a new crop of players but also serve as a tribute to a man whose contributions spanned decades, from the grassy fields of USC to the bright lights of the NFL, and whose legacy lives on through his family and the award that bears his name.