News Summary
Waymond Jordan, the USC Trojans’ running back, has become a key player in the college football scene due to his unconventional stance. With 443 rushing yards in four games, he draws comparisons to former athletes and showcases the depth of USC’s running back lineup. His outstanding performances, including a game against Michigan State where he exceeded 150 rushing yards, highlight the effectiveness of the Trojans’ offensive line and Jordan’s unique style that enhances his vision on the field.
Los Angeles – Waymond Jordan, the running back for the USC Trojans, has emerged as a standout player in the 2025 college football season, largely due to his unconventional running back stance. Unlike the traditional bent stance with hands on knees, Jordan’s unique posture resembles that of a standing figure, akin to the infamous horror movie character Michael Myers. This unusual technique is not just for show; it has helped him to see the defense clearly and remain unpredictable during plays.
As of now, Jordan ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing yards, amassing a total of 443 yards in just four games. He has found the end zone three times this season and has recorded impressive back-to-back performances, each exceeding 150 rushing yards. His standout game against Michigan State saw him achieving 157 rushing yards, with an impressive 142 yards gained after contact and forcing eight missed tackles. This performance earned him recognition as the highest-graded running back by Pro Football Focus in week four.
Jordan’s playing style has drawn comparisons to former Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who finished second in Heisman Trophy voting in 2024. Both athletes present a shorter and stocky physical profile along with exceptional vision, power, and contact balance. USC head coach Lincoln Riley has praised the depth of the Trojans’ running back room, indicating that this season features one of the strongest backfields in his coaching tenure at USC. Eli Sanders, another transfer from New Mexico, has developed a complementary relationship with Jordan, making them a formidable duo capable of executing various split back formations.
This season has seen USC’s rushing offense thrive, posting three games with over 230 rushing yards, including a remarkable 309 yards against Georgia Southern. This marks a significant improvement from the previous season, where only one game exceeded 200 rushing yards. A key element cited for this enhanced performance is the development of USC’s offensive line, which has effectively enabled the running game. Jordan attributes much of the success to the offensive line’s ability to execute well in both the rushing and passing game.
Jordan’s rise to prominence has been a journey of resilience. He did not receive any Division I offers out of high school and was compelled to switch to a conventional stance while playing at Hutchinson Community College. Under the guidance of coach Greg Cross at HCC, Jordan was able to transition back to his preferred stance upon joining USC. His commitment to his craft, along with his standout performances at HCC, caught the attention of scouts and paved the way for his current position.
His remarkable performances this season have transformed him from an unheralded high school athlete to a primary running back for a leading college football program. With the combination of his unique playing style and the depth of talent surrounding him at USC, Jordan is poised to make a significant impact for the remainder of the 2025 season.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Waymond Jordan Channels Ashton Jeanty
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Trojans Wire: Waymond Jordan Emerges from Anonymity
- Google Search: Waymond Jordan USC Trojans
- USC Trojans: Doak Walker Award Watch List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Running Backs
- MSN: USC Trojans New Look Running Back Room
- Google News: USC Trojans Football
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