The fans for the USC Trojans showed up, and the freshmen for USC delivered once again. These freshmen are getting better each week, and it is clear that some of the Trojans' best players on the team are from the 2026 recruiting class.
Here is my breakdown of how each of the true freshmen for the Trojans fared in Week 1:
Jonas Williams, quarterback
The starters in Game 2 definitely got more reps than Lincoln Riley would have wanted. However, Jonas Williams still got enough time to shine. Williams went 6-for-6 and had 63 yards through the air. This was a more polished showing for Williams. He looks like he is on the right track with his development.
Deshonne Redeaux, running back
Another game where Redeaux only had 2 touches, yet he still displayed his game-changing speed. Redeaux ran for 7 yards on 2 carries
and ran away from defenders to find the end zone. His speed makes him a dangerous playmaker for the Trojans offense. More production to come for the freshman.
Shahn Alston, running back
It was a limited workload day for the freshman Shahn Alston, yet he was still impressive. Alston finished the game with just 4 carries for 20 yards. His 5.0 yards-per-carry average is a very promising stat.
Tron Baker, receiver
Tron Baker did not get as many targets as he did in Game 1. He did make a huge play with his one catch, getting a gain of 27 yards. In 2 games, he has shown he can make plays and be reliable.
Trent Mosley, receiver
It is no longer up for debate, Trent Mosley is Jayden Maiava's favorite target and the Trojans' best target on offense. Even with the return of talented receiver Tanook Hines, Mosley still dominated. Mosley finished the game with 4 catches for 104 yards and fueled 2 touchdowns. Mosley makes the Trojans' offense an explosive unit. He is the fuel for Lincoln Riley's offense.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, receiver
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt was at superstar receiver level in Game 2. Wyatt was neck and neck with Trent Mosley in production. Wyatt had 6 catches for 102 yards. He showed that he can be a special weapon. He pulled off an insane catch-of-the-week type of catch, which signaled that he can be a top receiver in the country very soon. The trust between Maiava and Wyatt is coming along strongly to start the year.
Ethan Feaster, receiver
It was yet another game that was quiet for Boobie Feaster. Feaster managed to get only 1 catch for 4 yards. His breakout game is still on the horizon. Throughout the limited targets, he has still been a winning player. Doing exactly what the Trojans need to win, without getting the ball.
Mark Bowman, tight end
Mark Bowman got more involved in the offense this week. Still getting the same targets as last game, he showed his yards-after-the-catch ability and that he can do a lot more than just block. Bowman finished the game with 3 catches for 30 yards.
Tomuhini Topui, defensive tackle
Topui got involved in the rotation this past game. He is getting well-earned experience, and very soon he will become a key contributor. He only managed to finish the game against Fresno State with 1 tackle.
Luke Wafle, defensive end
Wafle had 2 total tackles against Fresno State, but he continues to flash and show more than just what is seen in the stats. Wafle has yet to get his first sack of the season, but with the disruption he has created, that sack will come very shortly. The Trojans have something special in their freshman.
Simote Katoanga, defensive end
The lengthy defensive end Katoanga got involved in the rotation, and he made a couple of plays for the Trojans. Katoanga got 1 tackle in the game, and with his size and traits, he can be a big part of the Trojans' defensive line rotation.
Talanoa Ili, linebacker
IIi will be a special linebacker when it is his time. Until then, he will still be a guy you can trust on special teams, and in games like the first 2 can be a guy who makes some plays. He had 3 total tackles against the Bulldogs on Friday.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC freshmen tracker: How recruiting class fared vs Fresno State
