​Countdown to kickoff is back! USC will begin its 2026 football season on August 29, welcoming San Jose State to the Coliseum for the season opener. In this series, we will count down the days until kickoff by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each jersey number. With 47 days to go, today we honor former USC linebacker Clay Matthews III.
Position: Linebacker
Years at USC: 2004-2008
Clay Matthews III entered USC as a relatively unheralded recruit from the famed Matthews family. After arriving in 2004 as a walk-on, his trajectory began with deliberate caution. As a true freshman during the Trojans’ national championship run, he was offered limited, “garbage time” opportunities, but he chose to decline those chances in order to preserve his redshirt status. This decision came before the NCAA rules were adjusted to allow players to appear in up to four regular-season games and still redshirt. The gamble paid off, as Matthews earned a scholarship in 2006 and eventually earned a starting role as a redshirt senior in 2008.
The 2008 season was the apex of his USC tenure. Matthews teamed with fellow seniors Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga, and Kaluka Maiava to form one of the most formidable linebacker groups in college football history. That year, he amassed 54 total tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. USC’s defense that season was elite, holding opponents to 10 points or fewer in 10 of 13 games. The Trojans finished 12-1, clinching a Pac-10 title and defeating Penn State in the Rose Bowl.
Beyond college, Matthews pursued a professional career in the NFL. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Matthews spent ten seasons in Green Bay, establishing himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the league. He returned to Southern California in 2019 to play his final NFL season with the Los Angeles Rams. Across an 11-year NFL career, Matthews earned six Pro Bowl selections, was named first-team All-Pro in 2010 and second-team All-Pro in 2012. He finished his career as the Green Bay Packers’ all-time sacks leader and remains a member of the franchise’s Hall of Fame.
Keep following Trojans Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our Facebook page to stay updated on USC Trojans news, notes, and analysis as we continue our countdown to kickoff. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans LB Clay Matthews III for better SEO.