USC Loses Starter to Broken Leg During Training Camp
The USC Trojans will be without their starting center for the upcoming season after he suffered an injury in training camp.
The USC Trojans are facing a setback early in training camp as their starting center, Kilian O'Connor, will miss the entire 2026 season due to a broken leg sustained on Wednesday. Head coach Lincoln Riley is under pressure to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, especially with the program in its fifth year under his leadership.
USC concluded the 2025 season with a 9-4 record, led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, who is anticipated to enhance the offense in 2026. However, the unexpected loss of O'Connor, who joined USC as a walk-on in 2022 and started seven games in 2025 despite a knee injury, has significantly impacted the team's offensive line. Riley disclosed on Thursday that O'Connor would be sidelined for the whole 2026 campaign.
The Trojans will now need to find a new starter at center during training camp before their upcoming match against San Jose State on August 29. Backup options Willi Wascher and freshman Kannon Smith will compete for the position. Riley had previously mentioned that interior offensive lineman Tobias Raymond might be shifted to the center role.
O'Connor's injury is a major blow to USC's offensive line, which was projected to be among the best units in the country this season.
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