Micah Huff's evaluation of top 2026 USC freshmen on defense
· Yahoo Sports
The USC Trojans pulled in the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, and many of those young, talented stars will be factors in the Trojans' success this season. The Trojans got deeper, more talented, and have freshmen who have already proved themselves in camp. A big reason to buy into this year's USC team is that the freshmen are not your typical freshmen.
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Here are some freshmen on defense who could make a big impact for the USC Trojans:
Jaimeon Winfield
With the injury to Jahkeem Stewart, there will be more snaps for the defensive interior players. Winfield is a potential disruptor, and although he is a freshman, he checks all the boxes for a player ready to contribute. Winfield already has the size, but with the veteran presence surrounding him and his talent, I would not be surprised if he makes some plays early.
Luke Wafle
Luke Wafle just might be the freshman with the most excitement surrounding him. He is highly ranked among other freshmen in the country, and I think he will live up to the hype this season. He is a player who needs to be on the field. Just like Winfield, he already has the size of a Big Ten defensive end. That size helped him stand out in fall camp. Out of all the freshmen on the defense, he will be the most productive one, and I think he will carve out a great role for himself this season.
Tomuhini “Tom Tom” Topui
Topui was dominant in spring and fall camp. he is a name to closely watch, as he will be featured in the defensive rotation with the injury to Stewart. He is aggressive and physical. When you think of all the necessary traits in a defensive tackle, he has them all. Learning from Alex VanSumeren will be extremely beneficial. The Trojans becoming a team that plays the run very well is very likely this season with guys like VanSumeren and now Topui.
Talanoa Ili
The former number 1 recruit in the state of Hawaii will definitely get his fair share of time to make an impact. It will be mostly on special teams, but the Trojans' staff has confidence that he can fill in at linebacker at any moment with his talent. Talanoa is learning fast, and even if his presence is only felt in flashes this season, it is only a matter of time before he becomes one of the cornerstones of the Trojans' defense.
Elbert “Rock” Hill
Hill has been seen making numerous plays in fall camp footage. He has been a riser in camp, and he is on his way to getting a real shot at being a starter at some point this season. His technique and how fast he plays are two big traits that stand out. When you add in the athleticism he plays with at the corner position, the Trojans will have something special on their hands for the next few years.
Madden Riordan
Riordan this offseason added the necessary weight and the muscle to compete in the Big Ten. Riordan has been making plays all in camp, consistently being a ball magnet. He has built great confidence in camp and trust with his coaches. If his number is called, he will not look like a freshman out there.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah Huff's evaluation of top 2026 USC freshmen on defense