The University of Southern California (USC) Trojans have long been recognized as one of the most prestigious college football programs in the United States. Over the years, they have produced a wealth of talent that has gone on to shape the future of the NFL and leave an indelible mark on the sport. From Heisman Trophy winners to future Hall of Famers, USC’s football history is replete with legendary players who have contributed significantly to the evolution of the game.
Here is an inventory of 25 standout USC football players who have had a lasting impact on the game, both during their time at the university and in the professional leagues.
1. O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson is one of the most iconic players in USC history, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 after a sensational season. Simpson became a dominant force in college football and later enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL, where he became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.
2. Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2002 and is considered one of USC’s best quarterbacks of all time. After being drafted as the first overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Palmer went on to a successful career in the NFL, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
3. Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush was a dynamic and electrifying player at USC, earning the 2005 Heisman Trophy for his record-breaking performances. Although his Heisman was later vacated due to NCAA violations, Bush’s impact on the field cannot be denied. He went on to have a solid NFL career, including a Super Bowl win with the New Orleans Saints.
4. Marcus Allen
A two-time All-American at USC, Marcus Allen won the Heisman Trophy in 1981 and enjoyed a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. Known for his versatility and exceptional running ability, Allen is a Super Bowl MVP and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
5. Lynn Swann
Lynn Swann was a legendary wide receiver for USC, earning All-American honors and the 1976 College Football Hall of Fame induction. Swann went on to a stellar NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning four Super Bowl championships and being named Super Bowl MVP in 1976.
6. Junior Seau
Junior Seau is one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history. A first-team All-American at USC, Seau was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and went on to become an NFL legend. He was named to 12 Pro Bowls and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
7. Trojans’ 2004 National Championship Team
The 2004 USC football team, led by head coach Pete Carroll, is considered one of the greatest college teams ever. With players like Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and LenDale White, the Trojans dominated the season, finishing undefeated and securing a national championship.
8. Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart, a two-time national champion at USC, won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 and was a cornerstone of the Trojans’ offense during their 2000s-era dominance. Although his NFL career didn’t reach the heights many expected, Leinart’s success in college football solidified him as one of the program’s all-time greats.
9. Bruce Matthews
Bruce Matthews was a dominant offensive lineman at USC who went on to a Hall of Fame career with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans. Matthews is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history and was a 14-time Pro Bowler.
10. Anthony Munoz
Anthony Munoz is often regarded as the best offensive lineman to ever play in the NFL. A 9-time Pro Bowl selection, Munoz was a standout at USC before becoming a dominant force for the Cincinnati Bengals, eventually being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
11. Paul Zimmerman
A standout linebacker at USC, Paul Zimmerman went on to have a stellar NFL career. He was an important figure in the development of the linebacker position in the league and had several notable seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
12. Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu was a game-changing safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose playmaking ability made him one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. A standout at USC, Polamalu won multiple Super Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
13. Ronnie Lott
Ronnie Lott was a dominant safety for USC and went on to have an illustrious NFL career. A key player in the 49ers’ dynasty of the 1980s, Lott won four Super Bowls and was known for his physicality and leadership on the field.
14. Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold was a highly-touted quarterback at USC, leading the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory in 2017. Darnold was selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, where he continues to develop into a promising NFL quarterback.
15. Keyshawn Johnson
Keyshawn Johnson was a star wide receiver for USC before embarking on a successful NFL career. A 1st overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Johnson went on to become a Pro Bowl wide receiver, helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl XXXVII.
16. Samoan Thunder (Mosi Tatupu)
Mosi Tatupu was a versatile running back at USC before becoming a special teams star for the New England Patriots. Known for his explosive play and ability to turn the tide of games, Tatupu became a key player in the NFL and left his mark on the sport.
17. Jackie Robinson
While Jackie Robinson is primarily known for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, he also played football at USC, excelling as a running back. Robinson’s athletic prowess at USC helped set the stage for his groundbreaking impact in the world of sports.
18. Marqise Lee
Marqise Lee was an explosive wide receiver for USC, earning multiple All-American honors and winning the prestigious Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver in 2012. Lee went on to a solid NFL career, primarily with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
19. Steve Smith
Steve Smith was an electrifying wide receiver at USC who went on to become one of the NFL’s most productive pass-catchers. Smith played for the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, earning five Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl appearance.
20. Deontay Burnett
Deontay Burnett was a standout wide receiver at USC, known for his ability to make spectacular catches and produce in clutch situations. His stellar career with the Trojans translated to a spot in the NFL, where he contributed to various teams’ receiving corps.
21. Kerry Collins
Kerry Collins was a successful quarterback at USC and went on to have a productive career in the NFL. He was known for his strong arm and leadership, having notable stints with the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants, where he led the Giants to a Super Bowl appearance.
22. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, a talented wide receiver at USC, went on to a successful NFL career, earning Pro Bowl honors and a reputation for being a reliable target. Known for his consistency, Houshmandzadeh was a key part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense during his time there.
23. Willie McGinest
Willie McGinest was a linebacker for USC before becoming one of the NFL’s best edge rushers. A key player for the New England Patriots during their Super Bowl championships, McGinest earned a reputation as one of the top postseason performers in league history.
24. David Sills
David Sills, a talented wide receiver, made a name for himself at USC as a reliable pass-catcher. His skills translated well into the NFL, where he contributed significantly to his teams’ success, earning All-Rookie Team honors.
25. Adoree’ Jackson
Adoree’ Jackson, a dynamic cornerback at USC, is known for his ball-hawking ability and athleticism. Selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 2017 NFL Draft, Jackson’s versatility has allowed him to excel both in the secondary and as a return specialist.
These 25 players, among many others, have left a lasting legacy on the sport of football, not only through thei achievements at USC but also through their contributions to the NFL. Their talent, work ethic, and passion for the game continue to inspire future generations of players, ensuring that the Trojans’ football program remains a dominant force in college football for years to come.
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