Lincoln Riley’s 20 year-old OL takes over protection duty for Trojans

LOS ANGELES -- No. 17 USC Trojans (8-3, 6-2 Big Ten) are ready for the season-ending crosstown rivalry clash against UCLA Bruins (3-8, 3-5 Big Ten). According to reports, two critical offensive linemen are out for the season, just hours before the battle is set to begin at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. This game is set for Saturday at 4:30 P.M. PT.

News from head coach Lincoln Riley is that Elijah Paige had a procedure done on his knee, and Kilian O'Connor is also set to have a procedure done, both are now out, which will impact the O-line and the strategy of protecting signal-caller Jayden Maiava.

Maiava has achieved good stats this season with 3,174 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with a QBR of 91.4 (1st). But Paige’s 2025 season is over, and O'Connor, too, is done for the year, including any potential bowl game.

This means newcomers, OL Tobias Raymond, who is 20 years old, will be thrown into the fire as the starting left tackle, and J’Onre Reed, who is 25 years old, will have to take on the role of starting center for the Trojans at United Airlines Field.

Raymond spoke to the media following Tuesday's practice, saying:

“Back in the spring, coach had flipped us around and played different positions, and I think that really helped us. And then when we go into drills, it's not necessarily like ‘oh, let's play you as a guard here or a tackle here’. Like, it's mostly like working on run blocking or pass blocking in general. So, I think that was something that was huge for being able to transition between positions.”

According to reports, USC is averaging 37 points per game, while UCLA’s struggling offense is scoring 17 to 19 points. However, after last week’s performance against the Oregon Ducks, Riley will surely be focusing on the Trojans' overall team accountability.

Meanwhile, the program has recently shown an uncompromising commitment to its strict policies. When the number one junior college cornerback, Jaquan Morris, secretly took an unofficial visit and committed to Illinois, overlooking a rule set by USC General Manager Chad Bowden, the program didn’t make any exceptions.

Locked On USC’s analyst Mark Kulkin said on Thursday’s episode about the need for ideal standards within the program:

"If you're going to implement a no-visit policy, consistency is everything,” Kulkin said. “The moment you make exceptions, the policy collapses, and I thoroughly agree with how Scott put that out there. USC has been firm across the board."

The on-field result of the O-line injuries is that the starting group against the Bruins will likely be the same as it was against the Ducks; there might be a switch between Kaylon Miller and Micah Banuelos at left guard.

This game is also Senior Day at the Coliseum, which adds more pressure on the No. 19-ranked Trojans. They have to prove they can be successful without key pieces. The Bruins are on a four-game losing streak and are heavily favored to lose; they’ll only be thinking about winning.

The Trojans will be aiming for a successful 9-win campaign heading into bowl season.