USC's Kilian O'Connor Out for Season Due to Knee Injury

The USC Trojans have faced a setback as starting center Kilian O'Connor is out for the season due to a knee injury sustained during practice. The injury was described by head coach Lincoln Riley as a non-contact incident, occurring just weeks before the team's season opener against San Jose State on August 29.

O'Connor's journey from walk-on to starting center has been significant, and his absence is expected to affect the team's emotional and leadership dynamics. Earlier in the day, he was named to the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's best center.

With O'Connor sidelined, USC will need to adjust its offensive line. Options to replace him include guard Tobias Raymond, who could shift to center, as well as redshirt freshman Willi Wascher and true freshman Kannon Smith. Last season, the Trojans dealt with multiple injuries along the offensive line but still managed to protect quarterback Jayden Maiava effectively.