USC Loses Key Injuries Ahead of UCLA Rivalry Showdown

After a 15-point loss to Oregon, USC hoped to have multiple players return from injury for its Week 14 matchup against UCLA. Running back Waymond Jordan and safety Bishop Fitzgerald were both long shots to play, and late updates confirmed neither will suit up for the rivalry game.

According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Jordan and Fitzgerald, who missed Week 13 against Oregon, are expected to remain sidelined. Their absences create notable gaps in the Trojans’ offense and defense as USC prepares for a critical rivalry contest.

Fitzgerald, who missed just the Oregon game, has been a cornerstone of USC’s secondary. The Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist leads the team with 51 tackles, five interceptions, one sack, and a touchdown this season. His presence in the back end will be sorely missed.

Jordan has been out since USC’s win over Michigan on October 11 due to an ankle injury that required surgery. His delayed return keeps the running back room thin and puts additional pressure on backup players to maintain the Trojans’ ground game.

1. Injury Impacts on the Roster

Fitzgerald and Jordan headline a list of key players unavailable for USC. Also sidelined are running back Eli Sanders, who has missed multiple games since the Michigan contest, and offensive linemen Killian O’Connor and Elijah Paige. The losses limit USC’s depth on both sides of the ball, forcing adjustments in personnel and game planning. Coach Lincoln Riley must balance rotations and manage snaps carefully to compensate for the missing starters. Jordan’s absence opens the door for former walk-on King Miller to continue his starting role. Miller has averaged 99.5 rushing yards per game since a 158-yard breakout against Michigan, proving capable of handling a larger workload. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald’s sidelining creates an opportunity for sophomore Kennedy Urlacher to see more action. The Notre Dame transfer is expected to rotate in the secondary alongside Kamari Ramsey and Christian Pierce.

2. Offensive Adjustments and Depth

Without Jordan, USC’s running game will rely heavily on Miller and the remaining backs in the rotation. Offensive coordinators must ensure a balanced attack despite the absence of their top rusher. Eli Sanders’ continued absence further strains the receiving corps, requiring adjustments in pass protection schemes and snap distributions. USC will lean on experienced players to maintain offensive rhythm. The offensive line also faces challenges, with Killian O’Connor and Elijah Paige out. Riley’s staff must make strategic personnel changes to sustain protection for quarterback play and open lanes for the backfield. Despite the injuries, USC’s offense has shown resilience throughout the season. The team will need to rely on fundamentals and opportunistic play-calling to overcome its depleted roster.

3. Defensive Implications and Rivalry Outlook

Fitzgerald’s absence leaves a significant void in the secondary, forcing USC to adjust coverage schemes and rely on less experienced players. Kennedy Urlacher’s increased role will be tested against UCLA’s passing attack. The Trojans enter the game with an 8-3 record and a bowl game already secured, but the rivalry matchup carries additional weight. UCLA enters on a four-game losing streak, giving USC a chance to claim back-to-back wins in the series. USC’s defensive coaching staff will need to emphasize communication and assignment discipline, particularly in nickel and dime packages, to mitigate the loss of Fitzgerald. Team leadership will be critical to prevent big plays downfield. The rivalry context adds urgency, as the Trojans seek to finish the regular season strong and maintain momentum heading into postseason play. Strategic adjustments and player performance will determine the outcome despite the injury setbacks.