In USC’s rivalry win over UCLA, the Trojans leaned on depth and versatility, rolling out 58 players in total - a testament to both the coaching staff’s trust in its rotation and the physical nature of the matchup. From Christian Pierce logging a team-high 70 snaps to single-play cameos from James Johnson (at running back) and Gage Roy (on a successful two-point conversion pass), this was a game that demanded contributions across the roster.
Let’s break down what stood out from the participation chart and what it tells us about USC’s current personnel situation heading into the postseason.
Injury Updates: Who Was Out, Who Returned - and Who Didn’t Finish
One of the more telling notes? No previously injured players made their return against UCLA.
That’s not ideal for a team hoping to get healthier down the stretch. Meanwhile, several key names remained sidelined, including Kamari Ramsey, Bishop Fitzgerald, and Elijah Paige.
The list of unavailable players also featured Kilian O’Connor, Jamaal Jarrett, Anthony Beavers Jr., Eli Sanders, Waymond Jordan, Chasen Johnson, Travis Leonard, Caden Chittenden, Cash Jacobsen, and Prophet Brown.
On top of that, defensive lineman Anthony Lucas was injured during the game and didn’t finish - a potentially significant loss depending on the severity of the issue. Lucas has been part of USC’s defensive front rotation, and any absence could impact the Trojans’ ability to generate pressure and hold the line against the run.
No Season Debuts, But Career Snap Highs for Five Trojans
While no players made their season debut, five Trojans hit or matched their career-high snap counts - a big moment for guys like Alex Graham, Floyd Boucard, Zacharyus Williams, Riley Wormley, and Ratumana Bulabalavu. Whether due to injuries, game flow, or matchup-specific packages, these players saw their roles expand in a high-stakes rivalry game. That kind of experience can pay dividends if they’re called upon again during bowl season.
Snap Count Spectrum: From Workhorses to Specialists
Christian Pierce led all Trojans with 70 snaps, anchoring the defense from start to finish. On the other end, James Johnson and Gage Roy each saw the field for one snap - but Roy made his count, connecting on a two-point conversion pass. It’s a reminder that even the smallest roles can carry weight in a tightly contested rivalry game.
Quick Notes on Play Classification
For those diving into the numbers: sacks and scrambles are factored into dropbacks, and pop passes - often seen as quick jet sweep-style tosses - are classified as runs. H-back alignments are defined by positioning inside the offensive tackle or completely inside an inline tight end. And when calculating yards per play, kneel-downs and spikes are excluded since they’re not designed to gain yardage.
The Takeaway
This wasn’t a game defined by major personnel shifts or dramatic returns from injury. Instead, it was about depth - the kind of depth that championship-caliber programs need to lean on in November.
With several regulars still sidelined and a few new contributors stepping into expanded roles, USC showed it can adapt on the fly. That adaptability will be crucial as the Trojans gear up for what’s next.
For now, the win over UCLA is in the books. But the participation chart tells a story beyond the scoreboard - one of attrition, opportunity, and the ever-evolving chess match that is college football roster management.