Last week, USC got some brutal news when head coach Lincoln Riley announced that offensive lineman Kilian O’Connor will miss the entire 2026 season. A veteran presence in the room, O’Connor was projected to start at center for the Trojans for the second consecutive year.
With O’Connor out, USC will be forced to adjust its offensive line. Following Tuesday’s practice, Riley mentioned four options that the Trojans have been trying out at center in O’Connor’s absence.
Tobias Raymond
Raymond primarily started at offensive guard last season for USC. However, he worked in some at center during spring ball, and could potentially shift over there with O’Connor out.
Kaylon Miller
The twin brother of USC running back King Miller, Miller saw action in ten games as a redshirt freshman
offensive lineman in 2025. He is competing for a starting role on the offensive line this season.
Willi Wascher
Wascher redshirted as a true freshman offensive lineman last year. He is looking to earn playing time for the Trojans in 2026.
Kannon Smith
Smith is competing for a role on USC’s offensive line as a true freshman this fall.
O’Connor’s future
Riley said that USC is looking at a potential medical redshirt for O’Connor to be eligible to return in 2027.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC trying out options at center following Kilian O’Connor injury
