{
  "id": 11734951,
  "title": "USC Loses Key Starter to Season-Ending Injury Right Before Facing Washington",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/usc-loses-key-starter-to-season-ending-injury-right-before-facing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T17:20:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/usc-loses-key-starter-to-season-ending-injury-right-before-facing-washington-12520541"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "USC Trojans face Washington Huskies, but key starter sidelined by knee injury\n\nThe USC Trojans are set to take on the Washington Huskies in a significant matchup this Saturday night, but are dealing with an unfortunate setback. Wide receiver Corey Simms, a key member of the team, is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. Simms, a sophomore, played in four of USC's five games this season, contributing 178 yards and one touchdown on 12 receptions. His performance was crucial as all four of his appearances were wins for the team, including a standout game in Week 4 against Rutgers where he amassed 72 yards and a touchdown on four catches.\n\nDespite missing Simms' impressive contributions, the Trojans remain formidable, ranking 10th in the NCAA with 325 passing yards per game and averaging 39.8 points per game. However, the absence of their top receiver could pose challenges for the team, leaving them with various options such as Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who leads the team with 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season. Quarterback Jayden Maiava also stepped up, completing six passes to Mark Bowman for 44 yards in their last game against the Ducks.\n\nWhile the team's offensive options seem promising, further injuries to the receivers could become a concern for USC. Nonetheless, for now, they have a robust lineup to draw from. As of now, DraftKings Sportsbook has the Trojans favored by more than a touchdown in their home game against Washington. The clash against the Huskies is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd, at 7:30 p.m. ET.",
  "summary": "Ahead of a clash with Washington, news arrived that the USC Trojans have lost a starting offensive player for the season.",
  "key_points": [
    "USC's Corey Simms sidelined with knee injury for season",
    "Trojans rank 10th in NCAA with 325 passing yards per game",
    "Washington game scheduled for October 3rd at 7:30 p.m. ET"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}