USC and Ohio State Players Erupt in Pregame Scuffle
A heated exchange between USC and Ohio State players had to be broken up by officials before their Saturday game.
Tensions flared between the USC Trojans and the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes before their Big Ten showdown on Saturday in Los Angeles, resulting in a pregame altercation that required intervention from officials. A video circulating on social media captures a heated exchange involving Ohio State linebacker Tarvos “TJ” Alford and several USC players.
The incident began as Alford was being escorted back toward the tunnel by teammates and coaches while verbally engaging with USC players. In the footage, Alford can be heard using expletives directed at the Trojans. The camera then pans to show several USC players yelling back at Alford, with linebackers Elijah Newby and Esun Tafa among those identified as participating in the exchange. It remains unclear which specific USC player Alford was initially jawing with.
Photographs from the event show officials stepping in to separate the two teams before the viral video began recording. Social media commentary from fans expressed concern that the incident might provide additional motivation for Ohio State. Despite the pregame friction, USC established an early lead in the game, holding a 14-3 advantage heading into the second quarter.