RADIO
Andy Smith's top USC football players of all time. Read his top 10 Southern California football players and power rankings.
Top 10 Greatest USC Football Players Of All Time
In this ranking, we will analyze the top 10 greatest players in USC football history. We will look at career statistics, legacy, and impact during their time with the Trojans.
No. 10: Carson Palmer, QB
Carson Palmer was the first quarterback in school history to win the Heisman Trophy. After a modest start to his career, Palmer would become the QB1 for USC over his final three seasons (2000-2002). Over his first two seasons, Palmer would combine for an impressive 5,481 passing yards. However, over his final campaign, Palmer would throw for 3,942 yards and added 33 touchdowns en route to winning the Heisman.
No. 9: Junior Seau, LB
Junior Seau only played two seasons for the Trojans but was an elite player on their defense. In 1989, Seau was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and was named an All-American. During this season, Seau would tally 19 sacks. He would also be awarded first-team All-Pac-10 during this campaign as well.
No. 8: O.J. Simpson, RB
O.J. Simpson was one of the greatest offensive players in school history. Across two seasons (1967, 1968), Simpson would rush for a combined 3,124 yards and score 33 total touchdowns. During his two seasons, he would lead the conference in rushing yards and rushing scores. He would win the Heisman Trophy during the 1968 campaign and was a two-time All-American.
No. 7: Anthony Munoz, OT
Anthony Munoz was one of the great offensive linemen in NFL history. However, before he would become a Cincinnati Bengals legend, he began his career with the Trojans. Munoz would win a National Championship during the 1978 campaign. He would be named first-team All-Pac-10 and second-team All-American in 1978. Due to his elite play at USC, he would be taken third overall by the Bengals in the 1980 NFL Draft.
No. 6: Troy Polamalu, S
Troy Polamalu was one of the best defensive backs in the nation during his time with USC. Polamalu was a two-time All-American, including a consensus All-American during the 2002 campaign. Polamalu was also named first-team All-Pac-10 in 2001 and 2002. During his time at USC, he would tally over 275 tackles and add six interceptions.
No. 5: Marqise Lee, WR
Marqise Lee stands alone as the wide receiver on this list. Lee is the only Trojan to win the Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the nation’s best wide receiver. Lee tallied over 1,000 yards in all but one season. In 2012, Lee enjoyed his best season as he tallied a Pac-10-leading 1,721 yards with 14 scores. During this season, he finished fourth in Heisman voting and was named a consensus All-American. This single-season mark still stands as a school record.
No. 4: Marcus Allen, RB
After spending his first two seasons in a reserve role, Marcus Allen would emerge as one of the best offensive players in school history over his final two. In 1980, Allen would lead the Pac-10 in rushing yards (1,563) and rushing scores (14). Then, in his final season, Allen took another step forward, running for 2,342 yards and 22 touchdowns, which both led the conference. He won the Heisman Trophy this season.
No. 3: Caleb Williams, QB
After starting his collegiate career with Oklahoma, Caleb Williams would reach a new level with the Trojans. In his first season with the Trojans (2022), Williams would throw for 4,537 yards and add 42 passing scores en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. He is the only QB to eclipse 4,500 passing yards in a single season. In his final campaign, Williams would take a slight step back but still produce at an elite level, throwing for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns.
No. 2: Reggie Bush, RB
Even though NCAA violations have tarnished Reggie Bush’s legacy at USC, his production on the field is nearly unmatched. Bush was a two-time National Champion with the Trojans. Across three seasons, Bush would tally 4,470 scrimmage yards with 38 total offensive touchdowns. On special teams, Bush would add four touchdowns and over 2,000 return yards. He would win the Heisman Trophy in his final season (2005) when he posted an incredible 8.7 YPA.
No. 1: Ronnie Lott, DB
One of the greatest defensive players in football history holds the top spot on this list. At USC, Lott would play a lead role in their 1978 National Championship. Across three seasons, the defensive back was named a two-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection (1979, 1980) and a one-time second-team All-Pac-10 selection in 1978. Lott was also a unanimous All-American during the 1989 campaign. His elite play pushed him up draft boards as he was taken eighth overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1981 NFL Draft.
