USC’s offseason roster work continues to take shape, and over the past two weeks, the Trojans have been busy locking in key returners for the 2026 campaign. Late last week, they added five more names to that growing list - a mix of emerging contributors and developmental players who could take on bigger roles next fall.
Let’s break down who’s coming back and what their return could mean for USC heading into a pivotal season.
King Miller - The Breakout Back Looking to Build
If there’s one name that’s surged into Trojan fans’ conversations this year, it’s King Miller. The redshirt freshman walk-on running back wasn’t even on the radar when the season began, but injuries to top backs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders cracked the door open - and Miller didn’t just walk through it, he sprinted.
In just six starts, Miller piled up 873 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, proving to be a reliable and explosive option out of the backfield. His vision, balance, and burst were on full display, and he gave USC’s offense a jolt when it needed it most.
With his return now official, the next question is whether he’ll be rewarded with a scholarship - and quite frankly, he’s earned it. Either way, expect Miller to be a central figure in the Trojans’ ground game next season.
Kennedy Urlacher - Primed for a Bigger Role in the Secondary
Urlacher made headlines when he transferred from Notre Dame to USC ahead of the 2025 season, and while his sophomore year wasn’t flashy, it was solid. He finished the regular season with 25 tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, and an interception - not bad for a player adjusting to a new system and still climbing the depth chart.
With veterans Bishop Fitzgerald and Kamari Ramsey heading to the NFL, the safety room will look very different in 2026. That opens the door for Urlacher to compete for a starting job, and with a full offseason in the program under his belt, he’ll be one to watch. He brings size, instincts, and a physical edge that could help stabilize a reshuffling secondary.
Riley Wormley - A Young Back with Upside
Wormley didn’t see much action as a true freshman, logging just two carries for seven yards and one catch for 17 yards. But don’t let the stat line fool you - he’s a young back with upside and a chance to carve out a bigger role next year.
With Miller returning and the top backs recovering from injury, Wormley will be in the mix during spring ball. He’ll need to prove he can handle a larger workload, but the tools are there. His development will be worth monitoring as USC looks to build depth in the backfield.
Marquis Gallegos - Competing for a Spot in a New-Look Secondary
Gallegos has seen limited action in his first two seasons, recording just six total tackles. But with the safety position undergoing a major transition, he’ll have a fresh opportunity to earn more snaps as a redshirt sophomore.
He’ll need to make a leap in consistency and physicality to crack the rotation, but the path is clearer now than it’s been since he arrived on campus. Expect him to be in the thick of the competition this offseason.
Walter Matthews - Tight End Room Opens Up
Matthews hasn’t recorded a catch in his two seasons with the Trojans, but that could change in 2026. With top tight ends Lake McRee and Walker Lyons moving on, the position group is wide open - and Matthews will have a real shot to earn a role.
He’s got the frame and athletic profile to contribute, and with more reps likely coming his way in spring and fall camp, this could be his chance to step forward. USC’s offense often leans on versatile tight ends, so if Matthews can develop as a blocker and pass-catcher, he could become a valuable piece.
The Bigger Picture
These five returnees represent more than just names on a roster - they’re part of a broader effort by USC to build continuity and depth heading into a crucial 2026 season. Some, like Miller and Urlacher, are poised to take on major roles. Others, like Wormley, Gallegos, and Matthews, are developmental players with the opportunity to rise.
In a college football landscape defined by roster turnover and transfer portal movement, keeping key contributors in the fold is a win in itself. And for USC, these re-signings are another step toward shaping a roster that’s ready to compete - and maybe surprise - in the year ahead.