05-07-2025
USC football countdown to kickoff—Justin Dedich in focus
The countdown to USC's 2025 football season is officially on! The Trojans kick off their new campaign 57 days from today. You need something to help you while away the days and hours in the spring and summer. This is one way to do so. In this new series, countdown to kickoff, we will be counting down the days by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number. Today, we look at former USC offensive lineman Justin Dedich.
Position: Offensive line
Years played at USC: 2018-2023
Career highlights: After redshirting his freshman year on campus in 2018, Dedich served as a backup offensive lineman for the Trojans for the majority of the next three seasons. He emerged as a starter towards the end of the 2021 season, and was the full-time starter at right guard in 2022. Taking advantage of his extra COVID year of eligibility, Dedich returned to USC in 2023, starting at center.
Dedich drew acclaim for his strong leadership during his time in Cardinal and Gold. In both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he was named a team captain. Dedich was known for firing up his teammates in the huddle with passionate, energetic speaches prior to kickoff.
After USC: Dedich signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. Although he did not initially make the team, Dedich was signed to the active roster early in the year due to injuries on the offensive line. He would go on to appear in 13 games during the 2024 season, even starting three.
Dedich now enters his second year in the league. He will look to play an even bigger role for Los Angeles in 2025.