USC football suffers huge blow with season-ending loss of center Kilian OConnor

The depth on USC’s offensive line is suddenly being tested — three weeks before the season opener.Coach Lincoln Riley told reporters on Thursday that center Kilian O’Connor suffered a “non-contact kind of freak injury” that would sideline him for the season.Riley did not offer specifics on the nature of the injury, which required surgery.“Tough one for us I think more than anything from just an emotional standpoint,” Riley said.“Tremendous leader.

Obviously well-versed, his track [record] here as a walk-on into becoming a team leader and one of the heartbeats of this program.”In a cruel timing twist, O’Connor was named Thursday to the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which goes to the top center in college football.The loss of O’Connor means the Trojans will no longer return all five starters on their offensive line.

His absence will likely thrust Tobias Raymond into the starting center spot, which Raymond had manned all spring while O’Connor was sidelined by another injury.Raymond projects as an NFL center, so there may not be a drop-off, but the Trojans will certainly miss O’Connor.Having battled knee injuries in recent seasons, O’Connor was limited to eight games in 2025.Other options at center include redshirt freshman Willi Wascher and true freshman Kannon Smith.“Tough one for the guys to see,” Riley said of O’Connor’s injury.

“A great reminder for all of our guys just how nothing in this game is ever guaranteed.We’re fortunate to have enough depth on the O-line that we’ve been working on to continue to push forward.”In addition to Raymond, the Trojans are also returning starting guard Alani Noa and tackles Elijah Paige and Justin Tauanuu.Other questions facing USC’s line:Can Elijah Valkona overtake Tauanuu as the starting right tackle after Valkona played the spot in the spring while Tauanuu was sidelined by injury?Can highly rated freshman Keenyi Pepe and universally lauded backups Breck Kolojay, Hayden Tr...