Starting over the weekend, USC football has been announcing the “re-signing” of its players for the 2026 season. On Tuesday, the Trojans dropped perhaps the biggest one of all when it was made official that quarterback Jayden Maiava will be returning to USC for his senior season. However, the Trojans also officially announced the return of six other players since Monday.
Who else is confirmed as returning to USC next year? Let’s take a look:
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Killian O’Connor
O’Connor was arguably USC’s best story in 2025, going from former walk-on to the Trojans’ starting center. Now, he is back for his final year of eligibility, when he will look to stay healthy after having to miss several games this season due to injuries.
Tanook Hines
As a true freshman in 2025, Hines ranks fourth on the team with 28 receptions for 398 yards and two touchdowns. With top targets Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane, and Lake McRee all off to the NFL, he appears poised to take on a big role next season.
Prophet Brown
Brown was expected to play a key role in USC’s secondary as a redshirt senior in 2025. However, he suffered an injury during fall camp that limited him to just one game this fall. It appears that Brown was able to get a medical redshirt for a sixth year of eligibility, and will return as the Trojans’ longest-tenured player in 2026.
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Ryon Sayeri
For the first ten games of the season, Sayeri was perhaps the best kicker in the country. He had a few unfortunate misses against Oregon and UCLA, but will look to return to form next season.
Justin Tauanuu
Taunanuu started at right tackle for USC as a redshirt freshman this season. The Trojans are hoping that he can take another step up in his game next year.
Zacharyus Williams
After transferring in from Utah last year, Williams has just three receptions for 80 yards on the season. He will look to play a bigger role in USC’s wide receiver room in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football re-signs six more players for 2026 season
