Kilian O'Connor, a walk-on center and third-generation family walk-on, earned USC's starting center role after preseason camp performance that outpaced transfer J'Onre Reed. The starting offensive line will feature Elijah Paige at left tackle, Tobias Raymond at left guard, Alani Noa at right guard and Justin Tauanuu at right tackle. The offensive line lost presumptive guard DJ Wingfield when an eligibility injunction was denied, prompting Raymond's move inside and giving Taunauu the edge role after Micah Banuelos pushed for the spot. Coaches prioritized getting the best five players and positional versatility, but reliability of the group remains uncertain.
O'Connor was officially named the starter Tuesday after a preseason camp in which he unexpectedly outplayed transfer center J'Onre Reed. He'll be joined up front on USC's starting offensive line by Elijah Paige at left tackle, Tobias Raymond at left guard, Alani Noa at right guard and Justin Tauanuu at right tackle. Lincoln Riley said that Reed would still "factor in" on USC's offensive line this season, but noted that O'Connor had clearly been the most consistent option through camp.
USC's offensive line was already dealt a difficult setback earlier this month when presumptive starting guard DJ Wingfield was denied an injunction in his eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA. Losing Wingfield meant finding a new left guard, without many proven options to choose from. Redshirt sophomore Micah Banuelos pushed for that open guard spot, but ultimately Riley chose to shift Raymond inside to left guard, while Taunauu earned the job on the edge.
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