SECOND-YEAR SURGE: USC's Success In 2026 Needs The Underclassmen To Hit The Field Running!

USC'S playoff hopes hinge on second-year breakout stars—can Jahkeem Stewart, Corey Sims, and Tanook Hines rise to the challenge? Marc Kulkin assesses how USC’s youthful roster, brimming with 14 second-year players, must step up for a serious 2026 College Football Playoff run. From Stewart’s need to anchor the defensive line to fierce competition at wide receiver and running back, USC’s player development becomes make-or-break. Marc also unveils his initial defensive depth chart ahead of fall camp, spotlighting key positions like linebacker and safety. Listener emails spark discussion on player rankings, the impact of NIL on recruiting and roster turnover, and whether fresh leadership could boost USC’s recruiting further. With fierce battles across the two-deep and season kickoff just weeks away, Trojan fans are left to wonder: which young talents will become future stars, and will their emergence propel USC football back into national prominence? #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlexVanSumeren #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #USCTrojansnews #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER:   / marckulkincait