USC’s freshman linebacker Shaun Scott arrives with a question that could shape his first season: how quickly can his game translate from edge rusher to linebacker - and maybe even to special teams?
Scott has been on the Trojans’ radar for years. College offers started rolling in when he was in the eighth grade, and USC entered the picture in the spring of his freshman year at Mater Dei (Calif.).
From there, his profile kept climbing as he developed into a regular presence around the program during high school. The Trojans made it clear early and often that he was a priority in the 2026 class.
That pursuit paid off last May, when USC landed a commitment from the four-star recruit. Scott was one of four freshmen from the Orange County powerhouse to sign with the Trojans, alongside tight end Mark Bowman, receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui.
At Mater Dei, Scott was a major part of a defense that helped power the school to national championships in 2024, according to MaxPreps, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, High School Football America and ESPN. Last fall, he put up 13.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, numbers that earned him MaxPreps second team All-American honors as a defensive lineman.
Now the challenge is different. The linebacker spot is not brand new to Scott, but it is still an adjustment. He was limited at the start of spring practice, though new linebackers coach Mike Ekeler offered him praise a couple of times during the media viewing period.
USC needs that room to settle in quickly. The Trojans also know they have to be far better on special teams than they were a year ago, and that opens the door for players who can bring real impact in that phase.
Scott’s background as a pass rusher makes him an interesting fit, especially as a hybrid piece for USC’s defense. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he brings elite size and a physical edge.
He plays like an enforcer, the kind of defender who hits anything that moves. That style could make him a real factor on special teams by 2026.
Scott will have two strong teachers in Ekeler, who emphasizes the details of linebacker play, and outside linebackers coach AJ Howard.
The bigger picture for USC is straightforward: the Trojans need steadier play at linebacker. Junior Desman Stephens is the name to watch after starting all 13 games last season, and he’ll be pushed in fall camp to keep his job.
Redshirt sophomore Jadyn Walker appeared in all 13 games and made five starts in his first college season. Deven Bryant arrives from Washington through the portal after finishing third on the Huskies in tackles last year, and the St.
John Bosco (Calif.) product brings a sideline-to-sideline skill set.
Behind them, redshirt sophomore Elijah Newby and redshirt junior Ta'Mere Robinson are both looking to expand their roles after serving as key reserves and special teams contributors. Freshman Talanoa Ili, a highly touted top 100 recruit in the 2026 class, will be tough to keep off the field, and another local signee, Taylor Johnson, adds to the mix as well.
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Goodmans appeal has always been the blend of size, athleticism and intelligence that made him such a prized recruit, and Penn States staff has seen enough growth to trust him with a major job this early. Offensive line assistant Ryan Clanton has been especially encouraged by the way Goodman has transformed physically and handled the details of the position, which makes him more than just a future project. For USC, the challenge is obvious: the lineman it once coveted is no longer a name from the recruiting trail, but a real part of the matchup. [Read more 🡒]