Good morning, Trojan Family. This Saturday, the Trojans host Missouri State! USC is the only NCAA FBS school that has ever played a FCS opponent since the divisions were formed in 1978. Head coach Lincoln Riley is 8-0 in season openers and is ready for another win. Learn more about the game here.

What else do we have for you in today's edition of The Three Torches? Check it out below!

🏈 Freshman of the Year
🤽 New assistant coach
⚔️ And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Watch Him. Defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart was named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watch List. The award is presented to the most outstanding freshman player (true freshman or redshirt freshman) in college football. Stewart reclassified, forgoing his senior year of high school. He was named one of the nation’s Top 10 impact freshmen heading into the 2025 season by FOX Sports.

🏈 Read more about Stewart.

BGS Active Sport by Black Girl Sunscreen is made for athletes who go hard. This clear, dry-touch SPF 50 spray protects all skin tones—no white cast, no excuses. Stay ready, stay protected.

🔼 Welcome! The women’s water polo team welcomes Christopher Lee as a new assistant coach. Lee recently worked with USA Water Polo. He boasts 14 years of collegiate coaching experience with teams that amassed eight NCAA appearances.

🤽 Learn more about Lee.

Today’s Top Tier Performance presented by ARCO is quarterback Jayden Maiava. Maiava went 3-1 in the last four games of the 2024 season. He went 101-of-169 for 1,201 yards and 11 TDs with 6 INTs last year. He also rushed for 45 yards on 20 carries with 4 TDs.

USC Trojans Unite to Fight Blood Shortages

Join the USC Trojans in the nationwide We Give Blood drive to combat urgent blood shortages in the U.S. and inspire new donors. Every donation can save up to three lives.

From August 27 to December 5, every blood donation logged helps USC compete for $1 million to support student and community health programs. Plus, donors will receive limited-edition Homefield t-shirts, while supplies last. 

Here’s how to join the fight:

1. Donate blood anywhere in the U.S. Find a location at BigTen.org/Abbott/Donate

2. Snap a photo at your donation site or of your registration.

3. Log your donation at BigTen.org/Abbott or text DONATE to 222688 (ABBOTT) – be sure to select USC!

4. Spread the word and rally fellow Trojans to join the cause.

Let’s show the power of the Trojan spirit.

Give blood. Upload your impact. Help save lives.

📆 THE DAYS AHEAD

Thursday, August 28

⚽️ Soccer vs. Portland @ 7pm PT | Live Stats | Watch | Tickets

Friday, August 29

🤽 Men’s Water Polo Triton Invitational vs. UC San Diego @ 1:30pm PT
👟 Cross Country at Pepperdine Waves Invitational @ 5:15pm PT
🏐 Women’s Volleyball vs. Denver @ 7pm PT | Live Stats | Tickets

Saturday, August 30

🤽 Men’s Water Polo Triton Invitational vs. George Washington/UC Santa Barbara @ 9:20am/2:40pm PT
🏈 Football vs. Missouri State @ 4:30pm PT | Live Stats | Watch | Tickets

Sunday, August 31

🤽 Men’s Water Polo Triton Invitational vs. San Jose State @ 9:20am PT
🏐 Women’s Volleyball vs. LMU @ 1pm PT

🗣️ SPREAD THE WORD

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⚔️ Have a great Wednesday, everyone!