​When USC gears up to face Oregon this season, the Trojans will need a plan to contend with Elijah Rushing, Oregon’s talented defensive end. Ducks Wire breaks down the scenario, noting that breaking into Oregon’s rotation as an edge rusher can be a challenge. The Ducks typically boast substantial depth and consistently recruit well at the position. With Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti established on either end of the line for the past three seasons, emerging players at that spot have to wait their turn as they develop into some of the nation’s premier pass rushers.
Elijah Rushing, a former five-star recruit out of Arizona, has appeared in just 11 games across two seasons for Oregon. He redshirted as a freshman in 2024 and recorded only three tackles in seven appearances last year. Despite the limited stat line, the Ducks maintain strong confidence in Rushing’s potential to become a game-changing presence on the edge. This could be his moment to step into a prominent role within Chris Hampton’s defensive scheme.
A key to unlocking Rushing’s on-field impact lies in the weight room, where defensive line coach Tony Tuioti believes Rushing has continued to improve in the offseason. “We had a really good talk with Elijah in the offseason,” Tuioti said. “He’s put on more weight. He’s 285 pounds now. He’s tall, he’s long, and he’s continuing to get bigger and stronger, so he’s able to anchor in the run game a lot better. When he first came in here, he was about 250, so anchoring and generating knock-back wasn’t as reliable. Now he’s growing into his body, which is something that happens with a lot of defensive linemen when they arrive; you have to develop to play the position effectively.”
The emphasis Oregon places on strength and conditioning underscores how critical it is for USC to match that physicality at the line of scrimmage. If the Trojans want to hold their own against the Ducks’ robust front, their own defensive front must respond with equal or greater power. USC will need its interior and edge players to win at the point of attack, disrupt Oregon’s run game, and pressure the quarterback. The matchup promises to hinge on how well USC’s linemen can develop a sustained push and maintain control at the line of scrimmage, even as Oregon’s front continually evolves through a deep and talented rotation.
As USC studies the Oregon tape, a clear focal point emerges: equipping their edge defenders with the strength and technique to counter Rushing’s growth and the overall effectiveness of Oregon’s edge rush. The task is formidable, but with the right development, USC could contend with the Ducks’ formidable front and create favorable opportunities in both the run and pass games. This assessment of Elijah Rushing and the Oregon defensive front, originally published by Trojans Wire in its USC football opposing player scouting report on Elijah Rushing, highlights the need for USC to bring physicality and depth to the trenches this season.