USC is desperately trying to improve its defense and will have to do so without half of their top tacklers from a year ago.
Starters Returning: 5/12
Key Losses: DE Scott Felix, DE Greg Townsend, NT Antwuan Woods, DT Delvon Simmons, DT Claude Pelon, LB Su'a Cravens, LB Anthony Sarao, LB Lamar Dawson, CB Kevon Seymour
Key Returnees: DE Porter Gustin, DE Uchenna Nwosu, DE Osa Masina, NT Noah Jefferson, LB Cameron Smith, LB Olajuwon Tucker, CB Adoree Jackson, CB Iman Marshall, S Chris Hawkins, S John Plattenberg
FEI Defense Rank: 30
S&P Defense Rank: 42
S&P Rush Rank: 35
S&P Pass Rank: 41
PPG: 25.