USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans WR Michael Pittman Jr.
Today, we look at another star USC wide receiver from the 2010s
USC's 2026 football season kicks off on August 29 with a home game against San Jose State at the Coliseum. To mark the countdown to kickoff, we're spotlighting notable Trojans who wore each number on the team. Today, we're recalling former wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Pittman played at USC from 2016 to 2019, starting his career primarily on special teams. However, his performance improved significantly during his sophomore year in 2017. That season, he had a breakout performance in USC's Pac-12 Championship Game victory over Stanford. Pittman led the Trojans with seven receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown in the game.
In his junior year, Pittman continued his impressive form, finishing the 2018 season with 41 receptions for 758 yards and six touchdowns. His senior year was arguably his most successful, as he established himself as one of college football's best receivers in 2019. That year, Pittman caught 101 passes for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him second-team All-American honors, a Biletnikoff Award finalist nod, and the Pop Warner Award for a college football senior who made a significant impact both on and off the field.
After his playing career, Pittman was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, he has emerged as one of the league's top young wide receivers. Over his first five seasons, he has recorded at least 780 receiving yards each season, surpassing 1,000 yards in 2021 and 2023. This offseason, Pittman was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he hopes to take his game to the next level in 2026.
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