The USC Trojans started fall camp being dealt a bad hand. Starting center Kilian O'Connor went down with an injury, but it's safe to say the play they will get at tackle will be more than serviceable, with a new 5-star recruit starting training camp with a bang. Keenyi Pepe has been off to a great start, and it will be hard to keep a guy with his traits off the field.
In a recent article, Billy Tucker highlights a freshman who can make a key impact for USC this season in the trenches. Here is what he had to say about Keenyi Pepe:
"Pepe is USC's best offensive tackle recruit since ESPN introduced the rankings in 2006 and the highest-graded offensive tackle to reach campus since Chuma Edoga in 2015. Pepe has excellent size at 6-7, 330 pounds, light
feet and savvy technique for being 19 years old. Those are the building blocks for a long-term cornerstone left tackle. USC threw him into the fire in spring ball, getting Pepe reps at both tackle positions, and he could push for early playing time as a swing tackle."
Pepe will be a difference maker for USC with the versatility he has. His size and big frame are one thing that definitely stands out, but how quickly he can move will make a big impact when he gets his chance to start. The Trojans' offense will be even more explosive with someone like him on the offensive line getting out in space, wreaking havoc. The 5-star tackle will not wait to make an impact for the Trojans, and with some injuries already taking place in camp, Pepe has a real shot to be a day 1 contributor.
Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Keenyi Pepe is listed as 7th-best freshman in 2026 Big Ten football
