USC center Kilian O'Connor will miss the 2026 season, according to USC head coach Lincoln Riley.
O'Connor was said to have suffered a noncontact leg injury.
"A tough one for us, just from an emotional standpoint," Riley told reporters. "(He is) certainly one of the leaders and kind of heartbeats of this program."
The redshirt senior offensive lineman was projected to serve as the starting center for USC's offense this season.
He played in 23 games during his four-year career but took on a starting role last season. After starting with the program as a walk-on, he was placed on scholarship in 2025. O'Connor was limited to just seven starts in eight games played due to injuries.
"Tough one for the guys to see," Riley told reporters. "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 (offensive line) that we've been working on to obviously be able to continue to push forward."
The Trojans were ranked 7th in the nation for passing offense (297.3 passing yards per game) and 10th for total offense (471 total yards per game).
The Santa Margarita Catholic High School product is listed at 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kilian O'Connor sidelined for season in blow to USC offensive line
