Jamaal Jarrett Injury Update: Lincoln Riley Confirms Season-Ending Surgery for USC Defensive Tackle

USC head coach Lincoln Riley has confirmed that defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after undergoing season-ending surgery. The redshirt sophomore has not played since the Trojans’ loss to Illinois in September.

The announcement was made Wednesday, dealing a major blow to a USC defensive line already managing multiple absences. Riley shared the update during media availability, saying, “Yeah, Jamaal ended up having to have a season-ending surgery. So, he’ll miss the rest of the year for us.”

USC Loses Key Rotational Piece in Jamaal Jarrett

Jarrett’s absence will test USC’s depth as the team continues its Big Ten campaign. The former Georgia transfer had appeared in five games this season, tallying three tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Despite limited numbers, Jarrett made one of the standout defensive plays of USC’s season — a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown, dubbed a “Thick Six,” during the win over Purdue.

At 6-foot-5 and over 320 pounds, Jarrett was primarily used as a run-stopping presence in Riley’s defensive scheme. His combination of size and agility had made him a valuable rotational piece in USC’s front line rotation. The Trojans’ staff had been cautious in disclosing specifics about the injury, consistent with their approach to player health updates this season.

A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Jarrett was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2023, ranked among the top 25 defensive linemen nationally. After spending two seasons at Georgia, where he appeared in five total games, he transferred to USC ahead of the 2025 season to secure more playing time in the Trojans’ new Big Ten era.

Lincoln Riley Updates USC Defensive Outlook

While Jarrett’s loss is significant, Riley provided a silver lining with news that freshman defensive tackle Floyd Boucard returned to full pads at practice this week. Boucard, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the season against Michigan, is expected to rejoin the rotation soon, providing much-needed depth.

Statistically, USC’s defense has improved from last season’s struggles. The Trojans are allowing 355.1 yards per game (56th nationally) and 22.4 points per game (52nd nationally). Both metrics represent a notable step forward from 2024, when USC ranked outside the top 80 in both categories. However, with Jarrett out, maintaining consistency against stronger offensive lines will be a challenge heading into the final stretch of the season.

USC currently sits at 6–2 overall and 4–1 in Big Ten play, ranked No. 19 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. The Trojans are still in the hunt for a top bowl berth and, with help, could push for playoff contention. Riley’s next task will be keeping his defensive unit cohesive amid another setback.

Jamaal Jarrett’s season-ending injury marks another test for USC’s resilience. His absence will force younger players to step up as the Trojans chase a strong finish in their inaugural Big Ten season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What injury did Jamaal Jarrett suffer?

Lincoln Riley confirmed that Jamaal Jarrett required season-ending surgery but did not specify the exact injury, consistent with USC’s injury policy.

Q2: How long will Jamaal Jarrett be out?

Jarrett will miss the remainder of the 2025 season and will focus on recovery for a potential return in 2026.

Q3: Who will replace Jamaal Jarrett in the lineup?

Freshman Floyd Boucard, recently cleared for full practice, is expected to take on more snaps in Jarrett’s absence.

Q4: How has USC’s defense performed this season?

The Trojans rank 56th nationally in total defense and 52nd in scoring defense, showing improvement from last season.

Q5: What’s next for USC this season?

USC remains 6–2 overall and continues its push toward a major bowl game, with key Big Ten matchups still ahead.