Sun Sep 21 03:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the USC Trojans’ injury situation ahead of their Big Ten home opener against Michigan State:

**USC Faces Injury Woes Ahead of Michigan State Showdown**

**Los Angeles, CA** – The No. 12 USC Trojans will host Michigan State this Saturday with a roster depleted by injuries. Several key players missed last week’s game against Purdue, and the injury list continues to grow.

Running back Bryan Jackson, defensive backs Alex Graham and Prophet Brown, receivers Zacharyus Williams and Prince Strachan, and kicker Caden Chittenden were all sidelined against Purdue with undisclosed injuries. Jackson and Strachan have missed two straight games.

Receiver Zacharyus Williams will be out a few weeks after being injured in the Trojans’ week 2 victory over Georgia Southern. Chasen Johnson will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

“We’ll continue to evaluate the injuries as they heal and move our players in when their bodies are ready,” said Lincoln Riley, head coach.

In other position changes, Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders will carry the load at running back, with King Miller solidifying his role as the team’s No. 3 option. In the secondary, DeCarlos Nicholson, DJ Harvey, Braylon Conley, and Marcelles Williams will see continued action at cornerback, with coaches opting to ride the “hot hand.” Freshman Alex Graham, initially slated to start at nickel, remains out with an injury suffered just before the season opener. His absence has led to Kamari Ramsey shifting to nickel in a three-safety defense. The return date for Brown is still unknown after a lower-body injury during fall camp.

Michigan State also has players sidelined with Alante Brown, Caleb Gash, Andrew Brinson IV, Tarik Ahmetbasic, Kaden Schickel, Luka Vincic, Jalen Satchell also out.

The Trojans (3-0) are looking to extend their winning streak against the Spartans (2-1). Kickoff is set for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PST.

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