USC's offensive line depth is facing an immediate challenge with the season-ending loss of center Kilian O'Connor.
Coach Lincoln Riley announced Thursday that O'Connor sustained a "non-contact kind of freak injury" that will require surgery and sideline him for the entire season. Specific details regarding the nature of the injury were not disclosed.
"Tough one for us I think more than anything from just an emotional standpoint," Riley told reporters. "Tremendous leader. Obviously well-versed, his track record here as a walk-on into becoming a team leader and one of the heartbeats of this program."
The injury comes as a significant blow, particularly as O'Connor was named to the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's top college football center, on the same day the news of his injury was announced.
With O'Connor out, USC will no longer return all five starters on its offensive line. Redshirt freshman Tobias Raymond is expected to move into the starting center position, a role he occupied during the spring while O'Connor was sidelined with a previous injury. Despite O'Connor's absence, the Trojans may not experience a significant drop-off, as Raymond is considered an NFL-caliber center. However, O'Connor's leadership and presence will be missed. He had been limited to eight games in 2025 due to knee injuries in recent seasons.
Other potential options at center include redshirt freshman Willi Wascher and true freshman Kannon Smith. Riley noted the difficulty for teammates to witness O'Connor's injury, calling it a "great reminder for all of our guys just how nothing in this game is ever guaranteed." He also expressed confidence in the team's existing depth on the offensive line.
Beyond Raymond, USC is set to return starting guard Alani Noa and tackles Elijah Paige and Justin Tauanuu. Questions remain at right tackle, where Elijah Valkona is competing with Tauanuu, who was sidelined during the spring. The performance of highly-rated freshman Keenyi Pepe and backups Breck Kolojay, Hayden Treter, and Kaylon Miller will also be closely watched as they vie for increased roles.
Raymond's versatility, having started at multiple positions last season, could allow for flexibility on the line. His permanent move to center might open opportunities for Kolojay to contend for a starting guard position. Earlier this week, Raymond commented on the high level of competition within the offensive line unit, noting that players across all levels of the depth chart are pushing for advancement.