USC’s defensive line room is starting to take shape, and freshman Tomuhini “Tom Tom” Topui is a big reason why.
The buzz around the 6-foot-3, 320-pound lineman started after USC’s first padded practice in the spring, and it hasn’t slowed down since. Defensive line coach Skyler Jones was already giving Topui strong reviews in spring meetings, and his standing kept rising through fall camp as one of the best performers from the Trojans’ No. 1 recruiting class.
Lincoln Riley didn’t sound surprised by the freshman’s push.
“Tom Tom has really stepped up,” said USC coach Lincoln Riley. “I think he’s certainly showed us that he’s ready to play some snaps for us.”
Topui should get an early chance to prove it, too. Sophomore Jahkeem Stewart is expected to miss at least Saturday’s opener against San José State, which opens the door for extended reps right away.
USC sees Topui as more than just a body in the rotation. With his size, quickness and power, he has the kind of physical profile that can make life difficult for offenses inside.
His path to USC was a major recruiting win. Topui was originally committed to Oregon before flipping to the Trojans in the 2026 class, and when USC put together a new personnel staff at the start of last year, he was one of the first targets on the board because of his potential to contribute quickly.
The local standout from Mater Dei also became part of something bigger for USC. He helped strengthen the Trojans’ pipeline with the powerhouse program and played a role in bringing in other Polynesian prospects, including freshman linebacker Talanoa Ili. Topui was one of four Mater Dei freshmen to sign with Southern Cal, along with receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, tight end Mark Bowman and linebacker Shaun Scott.
USC has spent the last couple of years pouring resources into its defensive line, and Topui adds another piece to that interior mix. Riley pointed to the depth already in place and the flexibility it gives the staff.
“It’s a good room. We’ll have a good healthy rotation and be able to withstand any dings along the way," Riley said.
Transfer Alex VanSumeren anchors the group after the past two seasons at Michigan State, bringing leadership and toughness with him. Jide Abasiri, who started nine games last season, can line up at tackle or end.
Stewart’s foot injury will keep him out for the opener after he re-injured the same foot that limited him as a true freshman, though he could be back as early as next week. Floyd Boucard and Jamaal Jarrett are back, and Jaimeon Winfield arrived as a five-star recruit in the 2026 class.
That mix of experience, youth and position versatility has made the job of sorting out snaps a little more complicated for Riley and his staff.
“It’s honestly a little tougher job just figuring out who’s all going to take the snaps and how you divvy them up," Riley said. "It’s been a good discussion to have.
Having a few guys that give us some position flexibility there have helped as well. We’ve had some young guys emerge in that room especially that I think are going to command some looks and opportunities to play and go prove themselves on Saturdays here right away.
“You combine that with the experience we have in that room. There’s a lot especially when you add a VanSumeren into that room. You bring back a Jah, you bring back a Floyd, you bring back a Jahkeem.”
That depth could matter quickly. USC is headed into a run of Big Ten games against teams that can throw the ball and run it with real force, and a loaded defensive front gives the Trojans a much better chance to handle what’s coming.
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