Lincoln Riley addresses ineligibility of USC lineman DJ Wingfield
The USC Trojans will be without a projected starter this season as offensive guard DJ Wingfield was denied an opportunity to receive an extra year of eligibility in what was seemingly a slam-dunk waiver case following the Diego Pavia ruling. USC head coach Lincoln Riley was asked for his reaction following Tuesday’s practice.
“Disappointed for him,” Riley said. ” I know I spoke a lot on it previously. I don’t know that I have a whole lot to add other than I’m really disappointed for him. It’s a very, very, very unique situation in so many ways. Obviously, been around him a lot, loved the kid, and just really, really disappointed for him.”
The 2025 season isn’t going to wait for the Trojans though, and the opener is just two weeks away.
“We’ve got to move on,” Riley said. “These things happen, whether it’s a situation like this or somebody getting hurt, that’s just part of the game. And the team’s ability to respond to that is just part of the path.”
The Trojans have several options in how they can proceed in filling the hole at left guard. USC has been working without Wingfield all fall camp, so there isn’t a sudden need to react to a new situation.
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Riley listed Justin Tauanuu as being someone who could figure prominently on the offensive line. Tackle Tobias Raymond, center J’Onre Reed and guard Kaylon Miller all have some “position flex” according to Riley and are potential left guard replacements. Guards Micah Banuelos and Hayden Treter have also put together some impressive fall camps.
“We’ve gotten some work and have a pretty good idea of what that will look like,” Riley said. “More than anything, I just hate it for the kid. He’s going to have a great future in front of him. We’ve loved the time with him and just disappointed for him.”
