USC’s defense has its work cut out this season, and the run game is right at the center of the challenge. Lincoln Riley turned to former TCU head coach Gary Patterson to help shore up a Trojans defense that ranked 51st in scoring defense in 2025 and allowed 143.2 rushing yards per game last season.
Patterson built a reputation for turning out elite secondaries in Fort Worth, but USC needs more than improved coverage to get where it wants to go. The Trojans also have to tighten up against some punishing backs, and four in particular stand out on the schedule.
The first major test comes Sept. 5 against Fresno State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Donelson is the kind of back that fits the Bulldogs’ usual style: physical, downhill and built to wear a defense down.
Fresno State offensive coordinator Josh Davis will rotate backs, with former Arizona Wildcat Rayshon Luke bringing the speed, but Donelson is the one expected to set the tone. Former USC linebackers coach and current Fresno State head coach Matt Entz may also know where to attack USC, especially on the ground.
The Trojans will need Jide Abasiri and Jahkeem Stewart to clog the interior lanes or risk getting pushed around by a team that could be eyeing its second-ever win over USC.
Oregon brings a different kind of stress. The Ducks pair sophomore Jordon Davison as the power option with speed back Hill, and Hill is the one who looks especially dangerous.
After averaging 8.7 yards per carry in his freshman season, he showed off his big-play ability against James Madison in the playoffs and then averaged 17.2 yards a carry in the lopsided loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff semifinals. That matchup at home will put USC’s younger linebackers under the microscope.
Halloween night brings another problem: Jackson, a 1,000-yard rusher from last season. USC has to stay disciplined with its eyes and keep its defenders square when he starts cutting in the open field.
One tackler won’t be enough against a back who checks in near 220 pounds, so the Trojans will need to swarm and finish the play together. Bottling up Jeremiah Smith matters, but so does stopping the run.
The final back on the list is Richard, the Boston College transfer headed into a pivotal road game against Indiana. Curt Cignetti won’t lean only on former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, and Richard gives the Hoosiers another explosive piece.
He posted career highs with 749 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season, and he added another layer with 30 catches for 213 yards and two scores. Khobie Martin brings a downhill element for the defending national champs, but Richard is the most explosive weapon in that backfield.
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Indiana Just Made A Massive Move In Key Big Man Battle
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The next stretch will matter, because Wabbingtons official visits are already taking shape at Louisville, Arizona and Texas, while Indiana is still waiting for its date to be locked in. For a staff trying to make up ground in a loaded battle for a highly prized big man, getting him on campus figures to be the kind of step that can separate a serious contender from another name on the list. [Read more 🡒]