NFL players from USC

293 NFL players came out of USC (University of Southern California). Here they all are, ranked the way The Chains ranks them, most recognizable first.

293

Players

Easy to name

Unicorn

Best link

More USC players suited up for the Las Vegas Raiders than any other franchise (35).

How this plays in The Chains

A shared college is a link, just like a shared team, and every link is scored by how unlikely it was that a fan would name it. Connect two players through Frank Strong and the USC link is rated Unicorn (+600 bonus points). Some daily puzzles even require a USC alum in your chain.

Play today's puzzle

Easy to name

Common and Uncommon. The easiest answers from this school.

Troy Polamalu
SS · 2003–2014 · PIT
Common
Junior Seau
LB · 1990–2009 · LAC, MIA, NE
Common
Marcus Allen
RB · 1990–1997 · KC, RAI
Common
Brian Cushing
OLB · 2009–2017 · HOU
Common
Anthony Munoz
OL · 1990–1993 · CIN, TB
Common
Carson Palmer
QB · 2003–2017 · ARI, CIN, RAI
Common
Leonard Williams
DE · 2015–2026 · NYG, NYJ, SEA
Common
Reggie Bush
RB · 2006–2016 · BUF, DET, MIA, NO, SF
Common
Ronnie Lott
DB · 1990–1995 · KC, NYJ, RAI, SF
Common
Keyshawn Johnson
WR · 1996–2006 · CAR, DAL, NYJ, TB
Common
Willie McGinest
LB · 1994–2008 · CLE, NE
Common
Sam Darnold
QB · 2018–2026 · CAR, MIN, NYJ, SEA, SF
Common
Nelson Agholor
WR · 2015–2024 · BAL, NE, PHI, RAI
Common
JuJu Smith-Schuster
WR · 2017–2025 · KC, NE, PIT
Common
Drake London
WR · 2022–2026 · ATL
Common
Curtis Conway
WR · 1993–2004 · CHI, LAC, NYJ, SF
Uncommon
Johnnie Morton
WR · 1994–2005 · DET, KC, SF
Uncommon
Everson Griffen
DE · 2010–2021 · DAL, DET, MIN
Uncommon
Mark Sanchez
QB · 2009–2018 · CHI, DAL, NYJ, PHI, WAS
Uncommon
Adoree' Jackson
DB · 2017–2025 · NYG, PHI, TEN
Uncommon
Chip Banks
LB · 1990–1993 · IND
Uncommon
Uchenna Nwosu
LB · 2018–2026 · LAC, SEA
Uncommon
Caleb Williams
QB · 2024–2026 · CHI
Uncommon
Makai Lemon
WR · 2026 · PHI
Uncommon
Duane Bickett
LB · 1990–1996 · CAR, IND, SEA
Uncommon
Jurrell Casey
DT · 2011–2020 · DEN, TEN
Uncommon
Brian Kelly
DB · 1998–2008 · DET, TB
Uncommon
Lofa Tatupu
MLB · 2005–2010 · SEA
Uncommon
Amon-Ra St. Brown
WR · 2021–2026 · DET
Uncommon
Rey Maualuga
OLB · 2009–2017 · CIN, MIA
Uncommon
Jordan Addison
WR · 2023–2026 · MIN
Uncommon
Chris Claiborne
LB · 1999–2006 · DET, MIN, NYG, RAM
Uncommon
Jaxson Dart
QB · 2025–2026 · NYG
Uncommon
Tuli Tuipulotu
DL · 2023–2026 · LAC
Uncommon
Daylon McCutcheon
DB · 1999–2005 · CLE
Uncommon
LenDale White
RB · 2006–2009 · TEN
Uncommon
Tony Boselli
OL · 1995–2001 · JAX
Uncommon
Jordan Cameron
TE · 2011–2016 · CLE, MIA
Uncommon
Nick Perry
OLB · 2012–2018 · GB
Uncommon
Todd Marinovich
QB · 1991–1992 · RAI
Uncommon
Mike Patterson
DT · 2005–2014 · NYG, PHI
Uncommon
Bruce Matthews
OL · 1990–2001 · TEN
Uncommon
Justin Fargas
RB · 2003–2009 · RAI
Uncommon
Malik Jackson
DE · 2012–2021 · CLE, DEN, JAX, PHI
Uncommon
Zachariah Branch
WR · 2026 · ATL
Uncommon

In the middle

Real answers, but not the first ones people think of.

Jason Sehorn
DB · 1994–2003 · NYG, RAM
Rare
Fred Davis
TE · 2008–2013 · WAS
Rare
Woody Marks
RB · 2025–2026 · HOU
Rare
Ronald Jones
RB · 2018–2022 · KC, TB
Rare
Frostee Rucker
DE · 2007–2018 · ARI, CIN, CLE, RAI
Rare
Marqise Lee
WR · 2014–2019 · JAX
Rare
Ja'Kobi Lane
WR · 2026 · BAL
Rare
Mark Carrier
DB · 1990–2000 · CHI, DET, WAS
Rare
Malcolm Smith
OLB · 2011–2021 · CLE, DAL, JAX, RAI, SEA, SF
Rare
Calen Bullock
DB · 2024–2026 · HOU
Rare
Matt Cassel
QB · 2005–2018 · BUF, DAL, DET, KC, MIN, NE +1
Rare
Matt Leinart
QB · 2006–2012 · ARI, HOU, RAI
Rare
Jarvis Jones
OLB · 2013–2016 · PIT
Rare
Romello Height
DL · 2026 · SF
Rare
Joey Browner
DB · 1990–1992 · MIN, TB
Rare
Talanoa Hufanga
DB · 2021–2026 · DEN, SF
Rare
Sammy Knight
DB · 1997–2008 · JAX, KC, MIA, NO, NYG
Rare
Keith Rivers
OLB · 2008–2014 · BUF, CIN, NYG
Rare
T.J. McDonald
SS · 2013–2018 · MIA, RAM
Rare
Darrell Russell
DL · 1997–2003 · RAI, WAS
Rare
Sedrick Ellis
DT · 2008–2012 · NO
Rare
Keary Colbert
WR · 2004–2011 · CAR, DEN, DET, KC, SEA
Rare
Clay Matthews
OLB · 2009–2019 · GB, RAM
Rare
Emmanuel Pregnon
OL · 2026 · JAX
Rare
John David Booty
QB · 2008 · MIN
Rare
Devon Kennard
OLB · 2014–2022 · ARI, BAL, DET, NYG
Rare
Lawrence Jackson
DE · 2008–2012 · DET, SEA
Rare
Su'a Cravens
LB · 2016–2018 · DEN, WAS
Rare
Robert Woods
WR · 2013–2024 · BUF, HOU, RAM, TEN
Rare
Rhett Ellison
TE · 2012–2019 · MIN, NYG
Rare
Shaun Cody
NT · 2005–2012 · DET, HOU
Rare
Mekhi Blackmon
DB · 2023–2026 · CLE, IND, MIN
Rare
Rasheem Green
DL · 2018–2023 · CHI, HOU, SEA
Rare
Terrell Thomas
CB · 2008–2013 · NYG
Rare
Cody Kessler
QB · 2016–2018 · CLE, JAX
Rare
Brenden Rice
WR · 2024 · LAC
Rare
Kenechi Udeze
DE · 2004–2007 · MIN
Rare
MarShawn Lloyd
RB · 2024–2026 · GB
Rare
Nickell Robey-Coleman
CB · 2013–2022 · BUF, DET, PHI, RAI, RAM
Rare
Michael Pittman
WR · 2020–2026 · IND, PIT
Epic
Shareece Wright
CB · 2011–2018 · BAL, BUF, HOU, LAC, SF
Epic
Damian Williams
WR · 2010–2014 · MIA, TEN
Epic
Tyron Smith
T · 2011–2024 · DAL, NYJ
Epic
Taylor Mays
SS · 2010–2015 · CIN, RAI, SF
Epic
Kedon Slovis
QB · 2025 · ARI
Epic
Max Tuerk
OL · 2016–2017 · ARI, LAC
Epic
Joe McKnight
RB · 2010–2014 · KC, NYJ
Epic
Javorius Allen
RB · 2015–2019 · BAL, NYG
Epic
Rob Johnson
QB · 1995–2003 · BUF, JAX, RAI, TB, WAS
Epic
Kaluka Maiava
ILB · 2009–2014 · CLE, RAI
Epic
Jaylin Smith
DB · 2025–2026 · HOU
Epic
Keith Van Horne
OL · 1990–1993 · CHI
Epic
Jack Del Rio
LB · 1990–1995 · DAL, MIN
Epic
Kevin Ellison
SS · 2009 · LAC
Epic
Billy Miller
WR · 1999–2008 · CLE, DEN, HOU, NO
Epic
Eric Wright
CB · 2007–2013 · CLE, DET, SF, TB
Epic
Drake Jackson
DL · 2022–2026 · ATL, SF, WAS
Epic
Matt Kalil
T · 2012–2017 · CAR, MIN
Epic
Dwayne Jarrett
WR · 2007–2010 · CAR
Epic
Matt Barkley
QB · 2013–2023 · ARI, BUF, CAR, CHI, JAX, NYG +1
Epic
Ken Ruettgers
OL · 1990–1996 · GB
Epic
Ron Brown
WR · 1990–1991 · RAI, RAM
Epic
Brice Butler
WR · 2013–2018 · DAL, MIA, RAI
Epic
Chad Morton
RB · 2000–2006 · NO, NYG, NYJ, WAS
Epic
Don Mosebar
OL · 1990–1995 · RAI
Epic
Pat Harlow
OL · 1991–1998 · NE, RAI
Epic
Ryan Kalil
G · 2007–2019 · CAR, NYJ
Epic
Rodney Peete
QB · 1990–2004 · CAR, DAL, DET, PHI, RAI, WAS
Epic
Isaiah Pola-Mao
DB · 2022–2026 · RAI
Epic
Riki Ellison
LB · 1990–1992 · RAI
Epic
Mosi Tatupu
RB · 1990–1991 · NE, RAM
Epic
Kamari Ramsey
DB · 2026 · HOU
Epic
Austin Jackson
OL · 2020–2026 · MIA
Epic
Steve Smith
WR · 2007–2012 · NYG, PHI, RAM
Epic
Tahj Washington
WR · 2025 · MIA
Epic
Grant Mattos
WR · 2003 · LAC
Epic
Dennis Smith
DB · 1990–1994 · DEN
Epic
Tim McDonald
DB · 1990–1999 · ARI, SF
Epic
Kris Richard
CB · 2002–2005 · SEA, SF
Epic
Vince Evans
QB · 1990–1995 · RAI
Epic
Dave Cadigan
OL · 1990–1994 · CIN, NYJ
Epic
John Michels
OL · 1996–1999 · GB, PHI
Epic
Velus Jones Jr.
WR · 2022–2026 · CAR, CHI, JAX, NO, SEA
Epic
Greg Townsend
DL · 2016 · RAI
Epic
John Allred
TE · 1997–2002 · CHI, PIT
Epic
Zeke Moreno
LB · 2001–2005 · LAC, PHI
Epic
Mike Williams
WR · 2005–2011 · DET, RAI, SEA, TEN
Epic
Roy Foster
OL · 1990–1993 · MIA, SF
Epic
Josh Shaw
CB · 2015–2018 · CIN, KC, TB
Epic
Alijah Vera-Tucker
OL · 2021–2026 · NE, NYJ
Epic
Ricky Ervins
RB · 1991–1995 · SF, WAS
Epic
Jonah Monheim
OL · 2025–2026 · JAX
Epic
Mike McDonald
LB · 1990–1992 · DET, RAM
Epic
Jay Toia
DL · 2025 · DAL
Epic
Sam Baker
T · 2008–2013 · ATL
Epic
Wes Horton
DE · 2013–2019 · CAR, NO
Epic
Jarrett Kingston
OL · 2024–2026 · CAR, HOU, MIA
Epic
Fili Moala
DT · 2009–2013 · IND
Epic
Ifeanyi Ohalete
DB · 2001–2005 · ARI, CIN, WAS
Epic
Manuel Wright
DT · 2005–2007 · MIA, NYG
Epic
Winston Justice
T · 2006–2013 · DEN, IND, PHI
Epic
Deuce Lutui
G · 2006–2012 · ARI, TEN
Epic
Sean Salisbury
QB · 1990–1996 · LAC, MIN
Epic
Andrew Vorhees
OL · 2024–2026 · BAL
Epic
Hoby Brenner
TE · 1990–1993 · NO
Epic
Brian Williams
LB · 1995–2002 · DET, GB, NO
Epic
Kurt Barber
LB · 1992–1997 · CHI, NYJ
Epic
Greedy Vance
DB · 2025 · RAI
Epic
Chuma Edoga
OL · 2019–2026 · ATL, BAL, DAL, JAX, NYJ
Epic
Pat O'Hara
QB · 1991–1992 · LAC, TB
Epic
Bill Schultz
OL · 1990–1997 · CHI, DEN, IND, TEN
Epic
Keaontay Ingram
RB · 2022–2024 · ARI, KC
Epic
Scott Galbraith
TE · 1990–1998 · CLE, DAL, GB, WAS
Epic
Jay Tufele
DL · 2021–2025 · CIN, JAX, NYJ
Epic
Solomon Byrd
DL · 2024 · HOU
Epic
Christian Roland-Wallace
DB · 2024–2026 · KC
Epic
Clay Matthews
LB · 1990–1996 · ATL, CLE
Epic
Erik Affholter
WR · 1991–1992 · GB, LAC
Epic
Patrick Turner
WR · 2009–2012 · MIA, NYJ
Epic
David Buehler
K · 2009–2011 · DAL
Epic
Alex Holmes
TE · 2005 · MIA
Epic
Bishop Fitzgerald
DB · 2026 · DET
Epic
Edward Hervey
WR · 1995 · DAL
Epic
Justin Dedich
OL · 2024–2025 · RAM
Epic
Travis Claridge
OL · 2000–2003 · ATL
Epic
Marlon Tuipulotu
DL · 2021–2025 · KC, PHI
Epic
Kevon Seymour
DB · 2016–2024 · BAL, BUF, CAR, PHI, WAS
Epic
Chad Wheeler
OL · 2017–2020 · NYG, SEA
Epic
Johnny McWilliams
TE · 1996–2000 · ARI, MIN
Epic
Darnell Bing
LB · 2008–2009 · DET
Epic
Hayes Pullard
LB · 2015–2018 · JAX, LAC
Epic
Silas Redd
RB · 2014 · WAS
Epic
Marcus Cotton
LB · 1990–1992 · ATL, CLE, SEA
Epic
Anthony McCoy
TE · 2010–2012 · SEA
Epic
Jacob Rogers
T · 2004 · DAL
Epic
Kyle Moore
DE · 2009–2012 · BUF, TB
Epic
James FitzPatrick
OL · 1990–1992 · RAI
Epic
Iman Marshall
DB · 2019 · BAL
Epic
Khaled Holmes
C · 2013–2016 · CHI, IND
Epic
Wes Bender
RB · 1993–1997 · KC, NO, RAI
Epic
Duval Love
OL · 1990–1996 · ARI, PIT, RAM
Epic
Scott Ross
LB · 1991 · NO
Epic
Kyle Williams
T · 2008–2009 · SEA
Epic
Chilo Rachal
G · 2008–2012 · CHI, SF
Epic
Chris Hale
DB · 1990–1993 · BUF, DEN
Epic
Zach Banner
OL · 2017–2021 · CLE, PIT
Epic
Xavier Grimble
TE · 2016–2019 · PIT
Epic
Larry McGrew
LB · 1990 · NYG
Epic
Marvin Powell
RB · 1999 · NO
Epic
Antwaun Woods
DL · 2016–2022 · ARI, DAL, IND, TEN
Epic
Derrick Deese
OL · 1992–2004 · SF, TB
Epic
Easton Mascarenas-Arnold
LB · 2025–2026 · CLE
Epic
Rashard Cook
DB · 1999–2002 · PHI
Epic
Cole Ford
SPEC · 1995–1998 · BUF, RAI
Epic
Lamont Hollinquest
LB · 1993–1998 · CIN, GB, WAS
Epic
Mark Tucker
OL · 1993–1994 · ARI
Epic
Marcus Martin
C · 2014–2020 · CLE, DET, NE, SF
Epic
Brandon Pili
DL · 2023–2026 · MIA, SEA
Epic
Cameron Smith
LB · 2019 · MIN
Epic
Dominique Byrd
TE · 2006–2011 · RAM, SEA
Epic
Deontay Burnett
WR · 2018–2020 · NYJ, PHI
Legendary
Chris Cash
CB · 2002–2005 · ATL, DET
Legendary
Gary Wellman
WR · 1991–1994 · TEN
Legendary
Markus Steele
LB · 2001–2003 · DAL
Legendary
George Farmer
RB · 2016 · SEA
Legendary
Sam Anno
LB · 1990–1993 · LAC, TB
Legendary
J.R. Tavai
LB · 2015–2016 · TEN
Legendary
David Gibson
DB · 2000–2003 · IND, TB
Legendary
Thomas Williams
MLB · 2008–2011 · BUF, CAR, JAX
Legendary
Matt Grootegoed
LB · 2005 · DET
Legendary
Norberto Davidds-Garrido
OL · 1996–2000 · ARI, CAR
Legendary
Kana'i Mauga
LB · 2023–2024 · RAI
Legendary
Porter Gustin
DL · 2019–2021 · CLE
Legendary
Stanley Havili
FB · 2012–2013 · IND, PHI
Legendary
Marvell Tell
DB · 2019 · IND
Legendary
Mazio Royster
RB · 1992–1994 · TB
Legendary
Larry Parker
WR · 1999–2001 · KC
Legendary
Will Poole
CB · 2004 · MIA
Legendary
Brad Leggett
OL · 1990–1992 · DET, NO
Legendary
Jeff Byers
C · 2010–2012 · CAR, DEN
Legendary
Ronald Johnson
WR · 2011 · PHI
Legendary
Fred Matua
G · 2006 · CLE
Legendary
Travis Hannah
WR · 1993–1995 · TEN
Legendary
Charles Brown
T · 2010–2016 · DAL, NO
Legendary
Paul Green
TE · 1992–1996 · NO, SEA
Legendary
Dan Owens
DL · 1990–1999 · ATL, DET
Legendary
Kyle Wachholtz
QB · 1996–1998 · GB
Legendary
Mike Morgan
LB · 2011–2016 · SEA
Legendary
David Ausberry
TE · 2011–2014 · RAI
Legendary
Mark Boyer
TE · 1990–1992 · NYJ
Legendary
LaJuan Ramsey
DT · 2006–2009 · IND, PHI, RAM
Legendary
Tony Slaton
OL · 1990 · DAL
Legendary
Scott Lockwood
RB · 1992–1993 · DET, NE
Legendary
Chauncey Washington
RB · 2008–2011 · DAL, JAX, NYJ
Legendary
Chris Foote
OL · 1990–1991 · MIN
Legendary
David Kirtman
FB · 2006–2007 · SEA
Legendary
Damien Mama
OL · 2017 · NYG
Legendary
Mike Salmon
DB · 1996–1997 · BUF, SF
Legendary
Chris Brymer
OL · 1999 · DAL
Legendary
Terrell Bynum
WR · 2023 · LAC
Legendary
Matt Willig
DL · 1992–2004 · ATL, CAR, GB, NYJ, RAM, SF
Ball-knower
Dion Bailey
SS · 2015–2016 · NYJ, SEA
Ball-knower
Kevin Graf
T · 2016 · ATL, IND
Ball-knower
Steven Mitchell
WR · 2018–2020 · HOU
Ball-knower
Sultan McCullough
RB · 2003 · WAS
Ball-knower
Randall Telfer
TE · 2016–2017 · CLE
Ball-knower
John Jackson
WR · 1990–1996 · ARI, CHI
Ball-knower
Jeff Kopp
LB · 1995–1999 · BAL, JAX, MIA, NE
Ball-knower
Jordan Simmons
OL · 2018–2021 · RAI, SEA
Ball-knower
Malaefou MacKenzie
FB · 2003 · JAX
Ball-knower
Cary Harris
DB · 2009–2010 · BUF
Ball-knower
Allen Bradford
RB · 2011–2015 · ATL, NYG, SEA, TB
Ball-knower
Norm Katnik
C · 2005–2006 · NYJ, SF
Ball-knower
Leon McQuay III
DB · 2017–2018 · KC
Ball-knower
Dennis Smith
TE · 1990 · ARI
Ball-knower
Will Buchanon
WR · 2006 · RAI
Ball-knower
George Uko
DE · 2014 · TB
Ball-knower
Tre Madden
RB · 2017–2018 · SEA
Ball-knower
R.J. Kors
DB · 1991–1993 · CIN, NYJ
Ball-knower
Justin Davis
RB · 2017–2018 · RAM
Ball-knower
Windrell Hayes
WR · 2000–2001 · NYJ
Ball-knower
Alex Parsons
C · 2012 · RAI
Ball-knower
R.Jay Soward
WR · 2000–2001 · JAX
Ball-knower
Chris McFoy
WR · 2007 · RAI
Ball-knower
Nico Falah
OL · 2018 · DEN
Ball-knower
Marc Raab
OL · 1993–1998 · LAC, WAS
Ball-knower
Christian Tupou
DT · 2013 · CHI
Unicorn
Deon Strother
RB · 1994 · DEN
Unicorn
Hebron Fangupo
DT · 2012–2013 · PIT, SEA
Unicorn
Isaac Whitney
WR · 2017 · RAI
Unicorn
Matt Keneley
DL · 1999 · SF
Unicorn
Joel Crisman
OL · 1996 · TB
Unicorn
Kevin Thomas
CB · 2011 · IND
Unicorn
Gregg Guenther
TE · 2005 · TEN
Unicorn
DaJohn Harris
DT · 2012 · TEN
Unicorn
Ernest Spears
DB · 1990 · NO
Unicorn
Brad Banta
TE · 1994–2004 · BUF, DET, IND, NYJ
Unicorn
Kori Dickerson
TE · 2003–2004 · PHI, WAS
Unicorn

The rarest links

The players almost nobody names first, and the biggest bonus in a puzzle.

Jawanza Starling
DB · 2013 · HOU
Unicorn
Claude Pelon
DL · 2016–2017 · NYJ
Unicorn
Scott Fields
LB · 1996–1999 · ATL, SEA
Unicorn
John Walker
CB · 2006 · HOU
Unicorn
David Webb
LB · 1996 · CHI
Unicorn
Elic Mahone
DL · 1995 · WAS
Unicorn
Mason Murphy
OL · 2026 · NO
Unicorn
Mike Moody
OL · 1994 · SEA
Unicorn
Israel Ifeanyichukwu
DL · 1996–1999 · LAC, SF
Unicorn
Frank Strong
OLB · 2002 · SF
Unicorn

Players who attended more than one school appear on each school's page. Team lists count franchises, so earlier cities and names are included (Raiders in Oakland, Rams in St. Louis). Rarity tiers come from the same scoring The Chains uses in its daily puzzles.