USC's Waymond Jordan Poised for Comeback Season, Analyst Says
Running back Waymond Jordan is healthy after an ankle injury cut short his 2025 season at USC. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry before the injury, and will pair with King Miller, who emerged as a walk-on starter. Analyst JD Pickell believes Jordan's strong start is overlooked.
Jordan arrived at USC as the top-ranked junior college running back in the 2025 recruiting class, and his early production justified that billing. Before the ankle injury against Michigan, he had amassed 576 rushing yards on 88 carries with five touchdowns, giving the Trojans a balanced offensive identity under Lincoln Riley. The same game that sidelined Jordan also cost Eli Sanders his season with a knee injury, and Bryan Jackson was hurt as well, forcing USC to rely on walk-on King Miller and even convert defensive back James Johnson to running back for depth.
Miller's emergence as a starter produced 972 yards and eight touchdowns over the second half of the season, proving the position's depth despite the injuries. Now healthy, Jordan is expected to reclaim the lead role while sharing carries with Miller, giving USC a formidable backfield tandem. Analyst JD Pickell projects Jordan could reach 1,000 yards even with the split workload, and Miller has publicly welcomed the shared responsibility.
This story could resonate beyond USC fans, as it highlights how injuries reshape team dynamics and create opportunities for unexpected contributors. The return of a proven playmaker alongside a walk-on success story may influence how college football analysts and fans evaluate roster depth and player development. It also underscores the growing importance of the running back position in an era often dominated by quarterback discussion, potentially shifting perceptions of what makes a championship-caliber offense.