The No. 16 USC Trojans sparked new defensive energy following their dismal 41-27 loss to Oregon. Looks like that Sept. 26 debacle ignited this unit, which coach Lincoln Riley now sees himself.

But he's also witnessed the impact of having one veteran defender back. Especially after USC originally feared linebacker Elijah Newby would miss all of 2026 with a knee injury.

Lincoln Riley Loving the Presence of Having Elijah Newby Back

Nov 1, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers tight end Luke Lindenmeyer (44) drives agaisnt Southern California Trojans linebacker Elijah Newby (26) and safety Kamari Ramsey (7) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Newby hasn't delivered astronomical stats this season: two solo tackles and delivering one sack with one forced fumble.…