USC Linebackers: Ready to Take the Next Step? | USC Position Previews

USC Linebackers: Ready to Take the Next Step? | USC Position Previews

From Troy Talk by Troy Rice

April 19, 2026 · 15 min

About this episode

The episode previews USC's linebacker unit and its potential impact for the upcoming 2026 season under a new defensive coordinator.

USC Linebackers: Ready to Take the Next Step? | USC Position Previews USC football’s linebacker unit is a major focus heading into the 2026 college football season. With new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson installing a new scheme, the development of this group could be key to USC’s success in the Big Ten. In this USC position preview, we break down the Trojans’ linebacker room, including returning players, transfers, and incoming freshmen who could make an impact right away. This video covers: Breakout candidates Desman Stephens and Jadyn Walker Transfer linebacker Deven Bryant and how he fits into USC’s defense Freshman Talanoa Ili and his potential role early in his career How Gary Patterson’s defensive system could improve USC’s linebackers What this group needs to do to take the next step in 2026 Can USC’s linebackers become a strength this season? And how much improvement can we expect under a new defensive scheme? Thank you everybody for watching! Links below. Like, follow, subscribe, and share with your friends! 👍 Like & Subscribe for more USC football coverage, recruiting intel, and in-depth analysis all offseason. #usc #uscfootball #uscsports #usctrojans…

Topics covered

  • USC football
  • linebackers
  • defensive scheme
  • college football
  • Big Ten

Keywords

  • Desman Stephens
  • Jadyn Walker
  • Deven Bryant
  • Talanoa Ili
  • Gary Patterson

More episodes of Troy Talk

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Troy Talk podcast page.