In a surprising move, the University of Southern California (USC) saw quarterback Sam Huard and punter Sam Johnson switch their jersey numbers to No. 0 for the game against Iowa. This change comes just a week after both players wore No. 80 to execute a controversial trick play during their victory over Northwestern.
During the Iowa game, receiver Zacharyus Williams, who typically dons No. 0, was listed as wearing No. 80. The unusual jersey swap has attracted significant media attention, especially following last week”s play, which involved a fake punt and resulted in scrutiny from the Big Ten Conference.
After the game against Northwestern, the Big Ten acknowledged that a penalty should have been enforced for having two players in the same position wearing identical numbers. However, USC head coach Lincoln Riley defended the play, insisting it was “entirely legal.”
The fake punt play generated buzz throughout the college football community, even drawing criticism from prominent figures such as Dave Portnoy of Barstool and Fox Sports. Portnoy labeled the Trojans as “dirtbags” for their execution of the play. In response, former USC quarterback and current analyst Matt Leinart presented Portnoy with a signed No. 80 jersey during the “Big Noon Kickoff” show, humorously stating, “I want to apologize for absolutely nothing, Dave.”
In addition to the jersey changes, game captains for the matchup included long snapper Hank Pepper, linebacker Eric Gentry, quarterback Jayden Maiava, defensive tackle Devan Thompkins, offensive lineman Tobias Raymond, and wide receiver Asante Das. This marked Das”s second consecutive week serving as a game captain, a testament to his importance to the team.
Coach Riley praised Das during a Friday Zoom call, stating, “He”s a phenomenal scout team player. He is becoming a real leader on this team vocally, emotionally, challenging guys, pushing our standard, our core values.” Riley emphasized that captains are chosen not solely based on their playing time but on their contributions to the team environment.
On the offensive line, Kilian O”Connor made his first start at center since suffering an injury in Week 5 against Illinois. J”Onre Reed, who had been filling in for O”Connor, was listed as “questionable” prior to the game.
As the Trojans faced off against Iowa, they aimed to continue their momentum from the previous week while navigating the complexities of roster changes and player contributions.
