It was known that the USC Trojans would be a very talented team this year. USC football's freshmen came into this year with high expectations, but one in particular has begun to approach those expectations. Luke Wafle is emerging as a star for USC and one of its best defenders.
My overreaction after Week 3 is that Luke Wafle is the best edge the Trojans have, and it will not be long until he is one of the best edges in college football.
Luke Wafle has done more than just flash and stand out. He has yet to get a sack in the first few weeks, but he has done everything else. He has even shown he can guard an elite running back down the field. He even looked better than some of the Trojans' corners at times. That just goes to show the versatility
of this freshman. He is barely scratching the surface of what he can be.
In the first few weeks of the season, Wafle has 15 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and he has a run-defense grade of 90.9. He has been great against the run, and he has been chasing quarterbacks, tallying up pressures each game at a high level. The Trojans' defense would have no shot without this freshman off the edge.
The Trojans need their veterans Kam Crawford and Braylon Shelby to step up for this defense to be dominant. They need to give Wafle real support, both against Oregon and for the rest of the 2026 season. That point can't be stated enough this week. However, it is very impressive and encouraging that Wafle has produced and really taken the lead as the best player off the edge for USC. As his development continues, the Trojans will have one of the best edge rushers in the country.
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: USC needs more than just Luke Wafle to beat Oregon Ducks
