top of page

USC Trojan RBU Update


ree

Roster Snapshot

Based on the official USC roster (USC Trojans site) and ESPN details, the 2025 USC running back room features a blend of experience, youthful talent, and fresh faces:

  • Eli Sanders – Senior transfer from New Mexico, brings a track record of big-play capability. USC AthleticsESPN.comWikipedia

  • Waymond Jordan – Junior transfer from Hutchinson CC, elite JUCO talent with explosive potential. USC AthleticsESPN.comWikipedia

  • Bryan Jackson – Sophomore who broke out late in 2024, bringing physicality and upside. USC Athletics+1ESPN.com

  • Cian McKelvey – Sophomore depth option with potential room to grow. CBSSports.com

  • King Miller – Freshman bringing size and fresh legs to the group. CBSSports.com

  • Riley Wormley – Freshman reserve providing additional depth. CBSSports.com

  • Harry Dalton III – Another freshman in the rotation, gaining early exposure. ESPN.com

Additional mention: Anthony Jones Jr. is noted as returning to lead the backfield—though he did not appear on the publicly available roster; he remains a key figure behind scenes. USC Athletics


Season Expectations & Roles

Leader of the Pack: Eli Sanders

  • Brings impressive credentials after racking up 1,063 yards and 9 touchdowns at New Mexico, averaging an explosive 7.2 yards per carry. Inside NUUSC Athletics

  • His proven versatility and home-state background (Oceanside, CA) make him a natural workhorse for USC’s RPO-heavy offense.


The Dynamic Playmaker: Waymond Jordan

  • Jordan arrives with JUCO elite status: 1,614 rushing yards, 134.5 yards per game, and 20 touchdowns at Hutchinson CC. He’s a bona fide game-changer. USC AthleticsOff Tackle Empire


The Bulldozer: Bryan Jackson

  • Notched a 5.2 yards/carry average in 2024 with a standout bowl showing (66 yards, 1 TD vs. Texas A&M). He adds grit and power in short-yardage/physical situations. USC AthleticsWikipedia


Depth & Young Talent: McKelvey, Miller & Dalton

  • These younger backs will likely serve reserve roles but offer fresh energy and versatility, especially valuable as the season deepens. CBSSports.comESPN.com


Returning Anchor: Anthony Jones Jr.

  • Though largely out of the public roster, he’s specifically mentioned as a leader—suggesting an important support or mentorship role in the room. USC Athletics


Offensive Strategy: What This RB Group Brings

Lincoln Riley and Offensive Coordinator Anthony Jones Jr. are banking on a multifaceted backfield. As Riley noted:

“Some kind of varying skill sets. I think that could be the most effective room that we’ve had in the years we’ve been here…”

  • Sanders offers home-run speed and polish.

  • Jordan contributes power, explosiveness, and scoring ability.

  • Jackson delivers physical toughness and reliability in tough yards.

  • Depth pieces keep the group fresh and adaptable.


Lending to this optimism, a recent OffTackleEmpire preview emphasizes that USC’s 2025 running backs have the potential to be a cornerstone of their offensive bounce-back under Riley. Off Tackle Empire Additionally, Northwestern’s scouting report suggests a shared workload between Sanders and Jordan is expected.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page