Good morning! It’s widely known that USC has one of the best marching bands in the country, but we’re here to argue that they’re the greatest marching band in the history of the universe. We would like to see anyone try to disagree.

What all can you find in today's Brew?

🏈 We’re Watching
📊 Whole Lotta Rankings
⚔️ And much, much more!

Stock Up is sponsored by our friends at Cymbiotika, who are changing the health and wellness industry by creating clean, science-backed supplements and products you can comfortably use in everyday life. They only source the highest quality plant-based ingredients so your body absorbs everything it needs and nothing it doesn’t.

All season long receive 15% off on every order with code FIGHTON.

🔼 We’re Watching. Man oh man does this USC football team have a solid roster of players! Over the past couple of days, four more Trojans were put on watch lists for each of their positions’ top college football awards.

🏈 Justin Dedich and Jonah Monheim were both named to the Lombardi Award watch list - an award given to the top offensive or defensive lineman. Each player returns after starting in a combined 25 games for USC last season.

🏈 Caleb Williams was named to the Manning Award watch list for the second year in a row. The award honors the top quarterback in the nation, and is the only award that takes candidates’ bowl performances into account.

🏈 Calen Bullock was placed on the watch list for the Bednarik Award that goes to the most outstanding defensive player in college football. Bullock is entering into his junior year as one of the anchors of this year’s defense.

🔼 Water Polo. USC is welcoming two new assistant coaches with the addition of Bryce Hoerman and Stephen Loomis to the women’s water polo program. Each coach will play a big part in helping the team return to its national championship form.

🔼 Feeling 22. With volleyball season just days away, the Women of Troy can feel confident knowing they have a top-25 ranking heading into regular season play.

The Trojans will begin the 2023 season ranked No. 22 in the nation by the AVCA. That’s two spots better than last season’s initial AVCA rankings, and four spots higher than where the team finished at the end of last season.

🔼 Open Season. USC soccer is set to take the stage tomorrow afternoon as the squad opens up the regular season against Michigan. The sixth meeting of these two teams is quite one-sided as the Trojans have never lost to the Wolverines in the previous five matches.

🔼 Running In The Six. It’s no secret that the Trojans are heading into the season among the top teams in college football, and this week’s preseason AP Poll just confirmed all of those beliefs. USC is currently ranked No. 6 in the country, and is the highest ranked team in all of the Pac-12. Next week, the Trojans start to prove why they belong at the top of those rankings when the season kicks off against San Jose State.

Start the semester off right with everything from quick breakfasts, to easy weeknight dinners, and even school supplies at Smart & Final!

Trojan Trivia is sponsored by our friends at United Healthcare, who are helping people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. They dedicate themselves to this every day by being there for what matters in moments big and small — from their earliest days, to their working years and throughout retirement. Find a plan that works for you today at United Healthcare.

Defense. USC has had its fair share of defensive juggernauts play in the LA Coliseum, but only one man has ever won the award.

Our question today — can you name the only USC player that has won a Bednarik Award?

Think you got it? Scroll on down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

⚔️ ONE BIG THING

Connect with fellow Trojans to experience the rich partnership between Orange County and USC on Sunday, August 20th. This event will be hosted by Steve Craig ’77 and former USC QB Paul McDonald ’80.

The day will feature a silent and live auction, as well exclusive opportunities to grab photos with key parts of the Trojan Marching Band, including Traveler and the USC drum major. Special performances lead by Dr. Jacob Vogel, Director of The Spirit of Troy, and the Trojan Marching Band, USC Song, and USC Spirit Leaders.

Don't miss this extraordinary afternoon that blends the best sports, music, and community partnerships!

📬 STICK WITH US

Did someone send you The Three Torches Brew? Well, the first thing you should do is thank them. The next thing you should do is subscribe here and get it in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning just in time for your first cup of coffee!

📅 LOOKING AHEAD

Thursday 8/17

⚽️ Soccer vs. Michigan @ 3:00pm PT | Purchase Tickets

Friday 8/25

🏐 Volleyball at Houston @ 6:00pm PT | Purchase Tickets

Saturday 8/26

🏈 Football vs. San Jose State @ 5:00pm PT | Purchase Season Tickets Today

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Rey Maualuga!

The unanimous First-team All-American earned USC’s only Chuck Bednarik Award in 2008 as the nation’s best defensive college football player. He went on to be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals and play 120 total games in the NFL.

⚔️ Have a great Wednesday, everyone!