USC Linebacker Desman Stephens II Earns High Praise From Coach Mike Ekeler

Trojans assistant coach believes the sophomore linebacker has the potential for a long NFL career.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a USC football player in action, with sharp planes of cardinal red and gold hues conveying the sport's strategic and physical demands.A cubist interpretation of a USC Trojans linebacker's aggressive, downhill play style captures the mental focus and physical intensity of the game.Los Angeles Today

USC Trojans special teams coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Ekeler expressed immense excitement and high expectations for sophomore linebacker Desman Stephens II during a recent interview. Ekeler praised Stephens' intelligence, work ethic, and potential, predicting the young player will enjoy a successful professional career in the NFL.

Why it matters

Stephens is a key part of the Trojans' defense and is expected to be one of the team's leaders in 2026. His development is crucial for USC as they look to build on a strong 2025 season and compete for a conference title.

The details

Ekeler highlighted Stephens' mental processing abilities, saying the linebacker can "anticipate" plays rather than just react. The coach believes Stephens' "intellectual capital" and love for the game will allow him to "play for a long time" at the professional level. Stephens had a breakout 2025 campaign, leading the Trojans in tackles, and is poised for an even bigger role this upcoming season.

  • Stephens led USC with 10 total tackles against Nebraska on November 1, 2025.
  • Stephens tied for the team-high with 10 total tackles in the loss to Notre Dame on November 30, 2024.
  • Stephens recorded a team-high 17 total tackles against Oregon later in the 2025 season.

The players

Mike Ekeler

USC Trojans special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, in his first season at USC under head coach Lincoln Riley.

Desman Stephens II

Sophomore linebacker for the USC Trojans, the team's leading tackler in 2025 and expected to be a key defensive leader in 2026.

Lincoln Riley

Head coach of the USC Trojans football team.

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What they’re saying

“That guy is a pro, and he is so smart. We talk about all the time about intellectual capital. Like man, it's a thinking man's game. Announcers, you hear them on TV, 'Man, they're thinking too much. They just need to go out and play.' That's one of the most ignorant statements I've ever heard in my life. This is a thinking man's game, but you want to process information extremely fast. So you can get your eyes right, understand what's gonna affect you, and then, now you're not reacting, you're anticipating.”

— Mike Ekeler, USC Trojans Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach

“You got that mental checklist that I talked about, and that cat? He's gonna play for a long time. I'm not afraid to call my shot. That guy's got the ability to play for a long time, and there's certain things”

— Mike Ekeler, USC Trojans Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach

“We were really pleased. I thought it was his best game as a Trojan in terms of just how aggressive, how downhill, how physical he played. He really took a big step from the Notre Dame game to this game, and we challenged him.”

— Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans Head Coach

What’s next

Stephens will look to build on his strong 2025 season and cement his status as one of the top linebackers in the Pac-12 conference. His development will be crucial for the Trojans' defensive success in 2026.

The takeaway

Desman Stephens II's impressive play and high football IQ have earned him the praise of the USC coaching staff, who believe he has the potential to enjoy a long and successful career at the professional level. His continued growth will be key for the Trojans as they aim to compete for a conference title.