'Easy to get confused': USC claps back after B1G said fake punt should've been penalized

"USC pulled off the fake punt by having reserve quarterback Sam Huard wear the same jersey number (No. 80) as primary punter Sam Johnson. Huard was listed as No. 7 in the game notes for the Northwestern matchup. Facing a fourth-and-6 early in the second quarter against the Wildcats, Huard came into the game wearing No. 80 and completed a pass to give the Trojans a first down. They wound up scoring on the drive to take a 14-7 lead."

"The Trojans responded to the news Wednesday, posting a video of Huard and Johnson at a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store on campus. A barista takes a drink to the counter labeled "Sam #80," however, Huard and Johnson both grab it. easy to get confused 8⃣0⃣ pic.twitter.com/WN0iiQ6nJ6- USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) November 12, 2025 "Number 80?" Huard says, while Johnson replies: "For Sam." The barista then brings out another drink and calls out "Sam No. 7," prompting Huard to take it."

"On Sunday, the Big Ten cited an NCAA rule under "Unfair Tactics" that reads: "Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during the game." They added that there should have been a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct assessed against USC."

USC substituted reserve quarterback Sam Huard in as No. 80 while primary punter Sam Johnson also wore No. 80, though Huard was listed as No. 7 on game notes. On fourth-and-6 early in the second quarter, Huard entered wearing No. 80, completed a pass for a first down and the drive produced a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. The Big Ten cited an NCAA "Unfair Tactics" rule prohibiting two players at the same position from wearing the same number and said a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty should have been enforced. USC posted a campus video showing Huard and Johnson taking drinks labeled "Sam #80" and "Sam No. 7." Coach Lincoln Riley said the number switch occurred weeks earlier, and Northwestern coach David Braun said USC legally submitted the change and accepted responsibility for the deception’s success.

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