Five Key USC Trojans Returning From Significant Injuries

Lincoln Riley's squad looks to bounce back with key players back from injury in 2026

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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USC was hit hard by injuries last season, with key players going down in the secondary, on the offensive line, and at running back. As the Trojans prepare for spring practice, several of those injured players are set to return in 2026, including offensive tackle Elijah Paige, running back Waymond Jordan, cornerback Prophet Brown, cornerback Chasen Johnson, and center Kilian O'Connor.

Why it matters

The return of these injured players is crucial for USC as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Trojans will have their entire starting offensive line back, bolstering the running game and protecting the quarterback. In the secondary, the return of Brown and Johnson will provide depth and experience. Overall, these injury comebacks give Lincoln Riley more options and flexibility as he looks to lead USC back to the top of the Pac-12.

The details

Elijah Paige, the Trojans' starting left tackle, missed significant time with lower body injuries. Running back Waymond Jordan, a former JUCO star, suffered an ankle injury that cost him most of the season. Cornerbacks Prophet Brown and Chasen Johnson both missed extended time with injuries, while center Kilian O'Connor also dealt with multiple lower body issues. The Trojans had to shuffle their lineups throughout the year due to these injuries, but now have their key players back and healthy heading into 2026.

  • Paige was injured in Week 4 against Michigan State and missed over a month before returning for 3 games in November.
  • Jordan suffered his ankle injury in the second quarter against Michigan on Oct. 11, causing him to miss the rest of the season.
  • Brown suffered a season-ending lower body injury in the second week of fall camp.
  • Johnson played in Weeks 2 and 3 but continued to deal with a lingering knee injury that required season-ending surgery.
  • O'Connor's first injury came in Week 5 against Illinois, keeping him out until early November, and his second came against Oregon a few weeks later, ending his season.

The players

Elijah Paige

A 6-foot-7, 325-pound offensive tackle who started all 13 games in 2024 and was a Freshman All-American. He is expected to be a top NFL draft prospect if he can stay healthy in 2026.

Waymond Jordan

A former No. 1 ranked junior college running back who was an instant star for USC, rushing for 576 yards and 5 touchdowns in just 5.5 games before his injury. His return gives the Trojans a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield with King Miller.

Prophet Brown

A sixth-year senior cornerback who was projected to start at nickel last season before suffering a season-ending lower body injury in fall camp. His return, along with the emergence of Alex Graham, creates an interesting dynamic in the Trojans' secondary.

Chasen Johnson

A UCF transfer cornerback who was expected to compete for a starting job but was sidelined for most of the season with a lingering knee injury. He has almost become the forgotten man in the cornerback room, but the Trojans are still high on him.

Kilian O'Connor

A former walk-on who beat out a Syracuse transfer to become the starting center in 2024. He suffered two lower body injuries that kept him out for extended periods last season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The return of these key injured players gives USC a major boost heading into the 2026 season. With their starting offensive line intact, a potent backfield, and experienced defensive backs, the Trojans have the pieces in place to bounce back and compete for a Pac-12 title under Lincoln Riley.