USC’s new receiver group is walking straight into a serious early test, and the challenge comes with a familiar face on the other side.
Oregon cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. looks every bit like a future first-round pick. He was a day one starter for the Ducks last season, then backed it up with three interceptions and eight pass breakups to lead the team in both categories. That production earned him Freshman All-American and second team All-Big Ten honors.
His biggest statement came in the CFP Quarterfinal against Texas Tech, when he forced three turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Finney helped wipe out half the field in coverage and played a major role in holding the Red Raiders scoreless in the Orange Bowl.
At 6-2 and 203 pounds, Finney brings size, confidence and clean technique. He’s especially strong in man coverage, stays disciplined, and plays with real physicality at the line and against the run. USC will almost certainly see him as the toughest cornerback it faces in 2026.
That said, the Trojans did have some success against him last season. Jayden Maiava challenged Finney throughout USC’s 42-27 loss at Oregon, and Finney was flagged three times while allowing 95 passing yards, including a 53-yard catch to sophomore receiver Tanook Hines. By the numbers, it was Finney’s roughest outing of the year.
Still, that game is not the version USC should expect on Sept. 26. Finney’s ceiling is too high for that.
The timing makes the matchup even more interesting because USC’s receiver room is almost entirely new. Outside of Hines, the Trojans are expected to roll out a fresh group of targets, giving Southern Cal an early chance to see how its new pass-catchers measure up against one of the best corners in the country.
NC State transfer Terrell Anderson arrives as a former top 100 recruit in the 2024 class. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior is a smooth, explosive route runner and is coming off a breakout season with the Wolfpack. He’ll be pushed for a starting job by freshmen Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Boobie Feaster, both top-50 overall prospects who should be ready to contribute right away.
There are more names to watch in receivers coach Dennis Simmons’ room, too. Sophomore Corey Simms and freshmen Tron Baker and Luc Weaver are part of the mix as Simmons continues the work of developing Biletnikoff Award winners and All-Americans.
Oregon’s secondary brings its own load of talent. Minnesota transfer Koi Perich is a dangerous safety, and USC already knows what he can do after he forced two turnovers - one interception and one forced fumble - in Minnesota’s win over the Trojans in 2024.
Redshirt sophomore safety Aaron Flowers and cornerback Ify Obidegwu return as starters, while Baylor transfer Carl Williams IV and freshman Davon Benjamin are competing for the nickel spot. Other defensive backs to keep on the radar include sophomore cornerback Na’eem Offord, junior safety Peyton Woodard, freshman safety Jett Washington and redshirt freshman Trey McNutt.
Maiava had a productive day against Oregon last fall, throwing for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns. But he was also intercepted twice and had three turnover-worthy plays, and that’s the part USC will want cleaned up this time around.
It’s a big opportunity for Maiava, and one that will draw NFL scouts to the Coliseum.
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