USC’s Linebacker Room in Flux, But There’s Promise Ahead
Rex Ryan brought his signature energy and charisma to USC last season, stepping into the Trojans’ linebackers coach role with the kind of bold personality that commands attention - both in the locker room and in front of the media. But even with his NFL pedigree and infectious enthusiasm, Ryan faced a steep climb in Year 1. The linebacker group he inherited was young, raw, and inconsistent, and the results on the field reflected that.
Eric Gentry, the emotional and vocal leader of the unit, gave everything he had in his final collegiate season. But his presence alone couldn’t paper over the growing pains.
The Trojans struggled to wrap up ball carriers consistently, and the tackling numbers told the story. In their final four games, USC failed to post a Pro Football Focus tackling grade above 63% - a glaring stat that underscored the group’s issues with fundamentals and execution.
To make matters more challenging, USC lost two of its most intriguing young linebackers to the transfer portal. Freshmen AJ Tuitele and Matai Tagoa’i opted to continue their careers elsewhere, leaving the Trojans thin on upside and depth heading into spring.
Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s real potential in the room - and a few key players who could help turn things around.
Desman Stephens II: The Emerging Anchor
One of the bright spots from last season was Desman Stephens II, who transitioned into a full-time middle linebacker role and didn’t miss a beat. He led the team with 59 tackles and wore the green dot in multiple games - a sign of both trust and leadership. For a player who began his career as a defensive back, Stephens’ adjustment to the middle of the defense was impressive, and he’s positioned to take an even bigger step in 2026.
Stephens isn’t just a tackler - he’s a communicator. And with safety Kamari Ramsey off to chase his NFL dreams, someone needs to step in as the on-field conduit between the coordinator and the defense. Stephens already has experience in that role, and depending on who USC hires as its next defensive coordinator, he could be the natural choice to wear the green dot full-time.
Welcome to L.A.: Deven Bryant Joins the Fold
USC also added a potential difference-maker in Deven Bryant, a transfer from Washington who brings production and pedigree. Bryant racked up 62 tackles and two pass breakups last season for the Huskies, and he’s no stranger to the Southern California football scene.
A St. John Bosco alum, Bryant already shares a high school connection with current Trojans like Marcelles Williams and Kobe Pepe.
That familiarity could help him settle in quickly and earn the trust of the locker room.
Bryant’s physicality and instincts give him a shot at stepping into a starting role right away - and perhaps even becoming the emotional centerpiece of the linebacker corps. With Gentry gone, USC needs someone with both the skill set and the voice to lead. Bryant checks both boxes.
Youth Movement: Who’s Next in Line?
The Trojans also got a glimpse of the future during the Alamo Bowl, where redshirt freshman Jadyn Walker got the start and finished with four tackles. It wasn’t a breakout performance, but it was enough to suggest he’ll be in the mix for a starting job next season. Behind him, redshirt sophomores Ta’Mere Robinson and Elijah Newby are intriguing depth pieces who could push for more playing time with strong spring performances.
There’s also a new wave of talent arriving. USC brings in Talanoa Ili from Hawaii, along with high school standouts Shaun Scott (Mater Dei) and Taylor Johnson (Cajon). It’s a group with raw ability, and while they may not be ready to contribute immediately, the long-term upside is there.
The Coordinator Question
Of course, everything hinges on who USC tabs as its next defensive coordinator. That hire will shape the identity of the defense and determine how the linebacker group is utilized.
Some coordinators prefer to build around their linebackers, while others lean on the secondary or defensive line. And when it comes to the green dot - the player who relays calls from the sideline - that decision often comes down to trust and chemistry.
Stephens has a leg up thanks to his experience and versatility, but a new coordinator could have a different vision. That’s part of the intrigue heading into spring camp - not just who plays, but how they’re deployed.
Roster Snapshot: USC Linebackers Heading into Spring
Returning:
- Ta’Mere Robinson (R-Soph.)
- Desman Stephens II (Soph.)
- Elijah Newby (R-Fr.)
- Jadyn Walker (R-Fr.)
- Nick De Fina (Jr.)
- Roman Marchetti (R-Jr.)
Incoming:
- Deven Bryant (Transfer, Washington)
- Talanoa Ili (Hawaii)
- Shaun Scott (Mater Dei)
- Taylor Johnson (Cajon)
Departing:
- Eric Gentry (R-Sr., graduated)
- Ryan Quintanar (R-Sr., graduated)
- AJ Tuitele (Fr., transferred to Cal)
- Matai Tagoa’i (Fr., transferred to Arizona)
What Comes Next
USC’s linebacker room is in transition, but that doesn’t mean it’s in trouble. There’s a foundation to build on - Stephens’ emergence, Bryant’s arrival, and the development of young players like Walker and Newby all offer reasons for optimism.
The key now is cohesion. If the Trojans can find the right mix of leadership, tackling consistency, and schematic fit under a new defensive coordinator, this group could flip the script in 2026.
There’s work to be done, no question. But there’s also talent - and with Rex Ryan in the room, there won’t be any shortage of energy.