In the first two games of the 2026 season, the USC Trojans have gotten consistent elite performances from their stars. On defense, they have one bona fide disruptor in Jide Abasiri, while other young guys are gaining confidence. Jayden Maiava has this offense humming, and his freshmen weapons are getting better each week.
Here are the biggest studs and duds from the USC Trojans
' second game of the season:Jayden Maiava
Last week, Maiava had a great, encouraging performance. In Game 2, Maiava delivered a Heisman-level performance. Maiava looks more confident and much improved early this season. He showed against the Bulldogs that he can still put the cape on and lead the Trojans to where they need to be. The Trojans will go very far with Maiava playing the way
he has in the first 2 games.
Trent Mosley
Trent Mosley, for another game, made some electric plays. He caught a 68-yard touchdown to get the energy up. He is super explosive. He will be the driving force of this offense this season. Jayden Maiava has the utmost trust in him to make plays, which will set up Mosley to have an elite freshman season.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt
Dixon-Wyatt matched exactly the level Trent Mosley has been playing at lately in this game. He made a superstar receiver type of catch. He made big plays all game long. He and Mosley both eclipsed 100 yards receiving. Jayden Maiava has weapons now, in his two freshman targets.
Jadyn Ramos
Ramos shined again, and he is quickly becoming an underrated star on the Trojans' defense. Ramos had 3 tackles and 1 sack on the day. He played a key role on the Trojans' defensive line, feasting on the Bulldogs' offensive line and quarterback.
Jide Abasiri
Jide Abasiri is making a name for himself to start this season. He has been a disruptor and a force for this Trojans defense. He is the best player on that unit, and in Week 1 he showed that once again. Abasiri had 6 quarterback pressures, 3 quarterback hits, and a 54.5% pressure win rate. He has been great against the run, and he has been living in quarterbacks' nightmares. He forced 2 safeties in the game with his penetration and got home for 1 sack. His stardom is continuing to rise.
Kennedy Urlacher
Urlacher, now being coached by Gary Patterson, is really shining in his nickel role. Urlacher was a breakout star against the Bulldogs as he tallied 3 total tackles and 2 sacks. He was unstoppable in blitz situations, very reminiscent of his dad, Brian Urlacher. Excited to see him continue to stack good performances.
Alex Graham
Just like Urlacher, when Graham blitzed from the corner position, he was successful. Graham put all of his excitement and promise from the offseason together and shone against the Bulldogs. Graham had 4 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. He is another young defensive player to be excited about.
Here are some duds from Game 2:
Boobie Feaster
Boobie Feaster has not been able to find his footing just yet in the offense. Many other freshmen have been able to show out with their targets. Feaster was one of the most exciting freshmen coming into this season, but it appears patience will have to be in order for him.
Tanook Hines
Tanook Hines' return was a big deal. To start the game, he caught a touchdown pass on a nice play connecting with Jayden Maiava. However, in this game it was evident that Trent Mosley is the guy at receiver. To make matters tougher, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt also was phenomenal. Hines getting healthier and ramping up is most important, but he may not be the Trojans' top guy anymore.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC Football's biggest studs and duds from Week 1 vs Fresno State
