Sports
'Hungry for more': Takeaways from USC football's spring camp
USC’s new-look defense aced its first test, but even a five-takeaway spring game victory isn’t enough to satisfy defensive end Jamil Muhammad.
“It’s almost like today wasn’t good enough,” the redshirt senior said Saturday as the Trojans wrapped up their 15-practice spring season, “because we’re hungry. We’re hungry for more.”
Spring practices don’t guarantee much in the way of fall results. Every team ends the sessions cloaked in sun-soaked optimism. Coach Lincoln Riley emphasized his excitement over “the vibe of this team” on Saturday, but good energy won’t be enough in four months when USC confronts the reality of its first Big Ten season. The Trojans still have things to prove at every position.
Here are the main takeaways from USC’s spring practices:
USC’s secondary won the spring game
It might be the team’s steadiest position group.
Miller Moss could sense the difference himself. Throwing lanes were tighter. Windows he was used to seeing were no longer open. There was a swagger, too, about USC’s secondary, one that felt entirely foreign from its last two frustrating seasons.
Last year, USC’s pass defense ranked outside of the top 100 in yards allowed, regularly victimized by big plays down the field. But a new defensive coordinator, a new defensive backs coach and a new scheme, plus some added length on the perimeter, appear to have turned around what was once USC’s most underperforming position group.
At least, that appeared to be the case Saturday, as USC’s cornerbacks picked off four passes, a testament to how much of a difference size and length can make when matched with the right scheme.
“It’s completely different,” said cornerback Prophet Brown, who returned an interception for a touchdown. “I feel like the players are really buying in and stepping up and playing for one another, and now we’re being put in position to make these plays.”
Marcelles Williams looks like a star in the making
Even among such a deep secondary, freshman Marcelles Williams is finding a way to carve out a big role. The former four-star prospect was one of the standout freshmen of spring camp, earning raves from offensive and defensive teammates alike who praised his consistency, maturity and advanced technique honed from years of practicing with his older brother, former USC safety Max Williams.
“He’s a high school senior still,” Moss said this month of the latest Williams brother, “but he can definitely play corner with the best guys on our team right now.”
The former St. John Bosco standout proved his mettle by intercepting a Moss pass during Saturday’s spring game, leaping to snag a ball intended for receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. Williams worked mostly with the No. 2 defense on Saturday as Mississippi State transfer DeCarlos Nicholson and Jacobe Covington started at cornerback. Both were involved in takeaways as Nicholson picked off a pass by backup quarterback Jayden Maiava one play before Williams’ play against Moss, and Covington broke up a pass that led to Brown’s 100-yard interception return.
Offensive line is still far from settled
Quarterback Miller Moss throws from the pocket during the spring game behind a rebuilt offensive line.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Although the Trojans are pleased with their top offensive line — Jonah Monheim at center, Emmanuel Pregnon and Alani Noa at left and right guard, respectively, Elijah Paige at left tackle and Mason Murphy at right tackle — they are holding their breath when it comes to depth. Tackle is especially a concern where 6-foot-7 redshirt freshman Tobias Raymond is the next option behind Murphy or Paige. Raymond was 255 pounds when USC coaches started recruiting him, offensive line coach Josh Henson said, and has grown to 314 pounds and is still getting used to the extra pounds.
“His feet have slowed just a little bit,” Henson said last month. “He’s going to catch up. He’s catching back up and he’s figuring it out.”
USC could target an offensive lineman transfer from the portal to bolster the group. The Trojans also expect to have guard Gino Quinones back from a leg injury he suffered last September.
USC needs more depth on the defensive interior
Kobe Pepe had only appeared in a handful of games for USC over the previous four seasons. But on Saturday, with Bear Alexander sitting out because of an injury, Pepe was suddenly the man in the middle of USC’s defensive line.
His rise to that spot was a sign of a looming problem for USC’s defense, one it would be best suited solving in the transfer portal this spring. After 330-pound transfer Isaiah Raikes bailed this spring to re-enter the portal, an already-thin interior is looking threadbare heading into next season.
Alexander gives USC an athletic terror in the middle of the line, but beyond him, there isn’t much in the way of proven talent up front. Redshirt senior Nate Clifton and sophomore Elijah Hughes have both been mentioned as standouts this spring, but neither have the heft needed to man the nose tackle spot. As USC turns to the transfer market, it would be wise to add a proven presence to pair with Alexander in the middle.
Inexperience aside, USC might be just fine at receiver
USC wide receiver Jaden Richardson runs for yardage during the spring game.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
USC isn’t going to have much experience at receiver. Nor will it probably have much depth. Of its seven current scholarship wideouts, five will open next season as sophomores or younger, one has never played above Division III (Jaden Richardson) and the other (Kyron Hudson) caught only 17 passes a year ago.
But what it lacks in experience or depth, it may more than make up for in top-line talent.
In Lane, Zachariah Branch, Duce Robinson and Makai Lemon, the Trojans have a more-than-capable sophomore quartet that’s only going to get better over this upcoming season and the next. All four had their moments Saturday, from Lemon’s team-leading six receptions to Lane successfully reeling in a one-handed grab.
Wideouts coach Dennis Simmons made clear early in spring he wanted to add another receiver or two from the transfer portal. That’s to be expected. But if USC’s current young core of wideouts keeps its current upward trajectory, there might not be enough passes to go around.
Woody Marks is in front of running back room
With game experience and leadership quality, Mississippi State transfer Woody Marks has emerged as the starting running back. He is in line to be the third transfer in as many years to take over at running back at USC, following Travis Dye and MarShawn Lloyd. Although Marks is currently ahead of sophomore challengers Quinten Joyner and A’Marion Peterson, Riley expects the underclassmen, including freshman Bryan Jackson, to contribute.
“That’s a nice room right there,” Riley said. “We feel like we can play with all four guys, which I don’t know if we felt like that at this point.”
Joyner had one carry during the spring game and popped it for 16 yards. Peterson and Jackson, both 6-foot running backs weighing 228 and 200 pounds, respectively, add the size and physicality Riley has emphasized at all positions.
USC running back A’Marion Peterson scores a touchdown over linebacker Elijah Newby during the Trojans’ spring game Saturday.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Kicker questions
Denis Lynch is a USC cult hero for his eccentric fashion, but the junior kicker is hanging on to his starting position by a thread.
The former walk-on who was awarded a scholarship last year is 25 of 36 on field-goal attempts for his career, including 10 made kicks on 14 attempts last year. His inconsistency in mid-range kicks — nine of 17 on attempts between 30 and 39 yards — opens the door for competition.
Riley said last month that kickoffs and field goals are “an area we know we have to perform better at.” Besides Lynch, the Trojans have redshirt freshman Tyler Robles, who played in two games last year, including handling kickoffs in the Holiday Bowl. Each kicker made their extra-point attempt during the spring game.
Sports
Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa open to fresh start elsewhere after disappointing season: ‘That would be dope’
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Tua Tagovailoa appears to be ready to move on from the Miami Dolphins – a feeling that seems mutual between the two sides.
Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of the season due to poor performance. A day after the Dolphins’ season ended with a 38-10 loss to division rival New England, the sixth-year signal-caller appeared open to the idea of a “fresh start.”
Mike McDaniel speaks with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 25, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“That would be dope. I would be good with it,” Tagovailoa said Monday, according to The Palm Beach Post, when asked specifically if he was “hoping for a fresh start.”
When asked by another reporter if he understood “fresh start” as playing “elsewhere,” Tagovailoa reportedly confirmed it.
The remarks came the same day that head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that the team would be approaching the 2025-2026 season with a competitive mindset for the position.
“In 2026, I think there will be competition for our starting quarterback. What that is and how that looks, there’s a lot that remains to be seen. It’s the most important position on the football field, and you have to make sure you do everything possible to get the best person out there on the field.”
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa runs off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
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“Who that is – whether they’re in-house or somewhere else, that’s something that we’ll be extremely diligent on,” he continued. “But I know there will be competition for those reins. That much I do know.”
Tagovailoa threw for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns this season, but he struggled with accuracy and mobility, throwing a career-high of 15 interceptions. His poor performance comes just one season after signing a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa speaks during a press conference after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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The Dolphins face a serious decision regarding Tagovailoa, as releasing him next year would result in a $99 million dead cap charge. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 release, those charges would be split over two years, with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Sports
Snoop Dogg hilariously keeps pace with furious Steve Kerr’s ejection-producing rant
In a warm-up for his role in the upcoming Winter Olympics, Snoop Dogg was given a microphone during the second half of the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers on Monday night at the Intuit Dome.
Can’t wait for those Olympics! Snoop hilariously sizzled when Warriors coach Steve Kerr stormed the court in the fourth quarter of the Clippers’ 103-102 victory.
“The Arizona Wildcat done came out of him. Look at him!” Snoop said, alluding to Kerr’s college team. “Aw, Rawwwr, rawwwr, rawwwr!”
Kerr was hit with two technical fouls in less than a minute. He nearly got one with 8:44 to play when Warriors guard Stephen Curry made a shot that appeared to be a continuation after a foul, but the officials nullified the basket.
Less than a minute later, Kerr found a new level of vehemence after the Clippers’ John Collins wasn’t called for goaltending on a shot by Gary Payton II. The four-time NBA championship coach flew into a rage, aggressively gesturing at officials and screaming.
Kerr picked up the two technicals — his first in nearly four seasons — and was held back by Payton and assistant coaches before exiting to the locker room.
Snoop Dogg, who had joined regular Peacock/NBC announcers Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon for the second half, rose to the occasion, his commentary keeping pace with Kerr’s antics.
“Oh, Steve gonna get thrown out! Get him out of there. Get him out of there! Back him up!” Snoop barked.
All Miller and Gannon could do was laugh as Snoop continued, referencing the location of the Intuit Dome and Kerr’s Southern California ties: “Steve back in Inglewood right now. Inglewooood!!! Get him, Steve! You in Inglewood, Steve!”
Snoop will join NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico in Italy in February, riffing on stories that unfold at the Winter Games the way he did at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The NBA game was an indication he’ll again be up to the task.
“We are excited to have Snoop bring his unique energy and passion to our NBA coverage,” NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said in a statement. “It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Snoop, Reggie and Terry talk hoops with a side order of fun.”
Snoop said in the release that his debut as an NBA game broadcaster “is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to bring a fresh vibe to the analysis.”
For the record, official Brian Forte acknowledged after the game that goaltending should have been called against Collins. Curry told reporters that he appreciated his coach’s passion.
“Two crazy calls in a row that you feel like can dictate the momentum of the game, it doesn’t mean a win or a loss, it just dictates the momentum,” Curry said. “I love that fired up Steve, for sure. Somebody had to do it.”
Visiting Los Angeles has been emotional for Kerr since the Pacific Palisades wildfire a year ago destroyed his childhood home, which his family bought in 1969. His mother, 90-year-old Ann Kerr, still lived in the house, located near Rivas Canyon, and was evacuated safely.
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Russell Wilson not thinking about retirement, plans to play in 2026: ‘I know what I’m capable of’
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Russell Wilson went from starting quarterback of the New York Giants to third string just a few weeks into the 2025 season, leaving many to question if the 10-time Pro Bowler decides to play next season.
Wilson, 37, doesn’t sound like he’s mulling over his decision. He wants to play in 2026.
“I’m not blinking,” Wilson said, per SNY. “I know [what] I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas, and I want to be able to do that again, you know, and just be ready to rock and roll, and be as healthy as possible and be ready to play ball.”
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New York Giants’ Russell Wilson attempts to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)
Wilson signed a one-year, veteran minimum deal with the Giants this past offseason worth $10.5 million, which had tons of incentives if he were to play the entire season.
That same offseason, the Giants traded back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss, and he proved during training camp to have NFL-ready chops under center.
GIANTS STICK WITH GM JOE SCHOEN DESPITE ANOTHER LOSING SEASON, CITING NEED FOR ‘CONTINUITY AND STABILITY’
Still, then-head coach Brian Daboll was steadfast in his decision to start Wilson despite Dart’s success. But, after just three games, where the Giants went 0-3, a change was made.
Daboll went with Dart in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers at home, and the rookie defeated Justin Herbert and company to not only get his first career win, but cement himself as the team’s starter moving forward.
Even then, Wilson remained positive, saying in interviews after practice that he understands the direction of the team and wanted to help Dart develop and grow in his new role.
New York Giants’ Russell Wilson, left, and Jaxson Dart, right, talk on the bench in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)
In his three starts for the Giants, Wilson threw for 831 yards with three touchdowns to three interceptions, though all of those touchdowns came in a Week 2 overtime heartbreaker for New York. Over half of Wilson’s passing yards also came in that game, throwing for 450 in the 40-37 loss.
Wilson also said that he tore his hamstring during that game against the Cowboys.
“I played that game, you know, I tore my hamstring on Friday in practice – the last play of practice. And I had a Grade 2 (tear). I couldn’t tell anybody. I had to go and play on it just because I knew the circumstance, I had to play on it, no matter what,” Wilson explained.
“I actually ended up going to the Dallas Mavericks’ facility, training. And you know, just kept it quiet, just trying to get treatment on it and just knowing that I probably couldn’t run from the goal line to the 10-yard line if I wanted to, but I feel like… I got to play this game.”
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scans the field at the line against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. (Rich Barnes/Imagn Images)
It will be interesting to see if Wilson will land anywhere, and better yet, if a team is willing to try him out as a starter again.
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