​Countdown to kickoff is back, and USC fans can begin marking the calendar for the 2026 football season. The Trojans will open on August 29, hosting San Jose State at the Coliseum, and in this series we’re counting down the days until the opener by spotlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number. With 51 days remaining, today we highlight former USC defensive lineman Solomon Byrd.
Position: Defensive line. Years at USC: 2022-2023. Byrd arrived at USC after spending his first four college years at Wyoming, transferring to the Trojans ahead of the 2022 season. He used his two years in Cardinal and Gold to establish himself as a disruptive force on the defensive line, particularly at defensive end. Across 2022 and 2023, Byrd accumulated 76 total tackles, 10.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumbles recovered, and two passes defended. His production and versatility made him a valuable contributor for USC’s defense during his time with the program.
What came next in Byrd’s journey after USC? The Houston Texans selected him in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Byrd spent most of his rookie season with the Texans on the practice squad, but he earned a regular-season roster opportunity for the team’s finale, delivering a solid in-game performance that included two tackles, one pass defended, and one credited tackle for a loss (stuff). This showing helped demonstrate his readiness to contribute at the professional level, even as the team continued to refine its roster during his first year in the league.
In 2025, Byrd spent the majority of the season back on Houston’s practice squad and did not appear in a regular-season game. Looking ahead to 2026, the former Trojan will aim to secure a more consistent role with the Texans and prove he can help anchor a defensive line at the NFL level. His combination of length, power, and relentless effort on the edge remains a part of his profile that scouts and coaches keep in mind as he pursues expanded responsibilities and more impactful performances in the coming season.
Original publication context: This feature was published on Trojans Wire as part of USC countdown to kickoff coverage, highlighting Solomon Byrd as part of the series to recall notable Trojans by jersey number and connect past players to the upcoming season. This installment, highlighting Byrd after 51 days remain until kickoff, serves both as a retrospective of his USC tenure and a forward-looking assessment of his ongoing professional journey.