USC Player Spotlight: King Miller Anchors the Trojans’ Backfield
LOS ANGELES — As USC’s offense continues its undefeated start to the 2026 season, running back King Miller has established himself as one of the most dependable pieces in the Trojans’ attack.
Wearing No. 8, Miller enters his redshirt sophomore season no longer as an unexpected contributor, but as an established presence in Lincoln Riley’s offense.
His path to that role has been anything but conventional.
Miller arrived at USC as a walk-on out of Calabasas High School. After waiting for an opportunity, injuries in the Trojans’ running back room opened the door during the 2025 season. Miller took advantage, quickly developing from a depth option into USC’s showcase back.
By the end of the year, Miller had rushed for 972 yards on 156 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt while scoring eight touchdowns. He appeared in all 13 games and started seven, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition and a spot on The Athletic’s Freshman All-America Second Team.
His breakout season also changed his standing within the program. Following the 2025 campaign, USC placed Miller on scholarship — a significant milestone for a player who had entered the program without one.
Now, Miller is showing that last season was only the beginning.
Through USC’s opening stretch in 2026, the 6-foot, 225-pound running back has continued to provide the Trojans with a physical presence on the ground. His combination of patience, balance and strength allows him to run through contact while still possessing enough explosiveness to create bigger plays once he reaches the second level.
Against Louisiana, Miller delivered one of his strongest performances of the young season, rushing for 128 yards on 18 carries and adding a touchdown as USC scored 49 points.
He followed that performance with another 100-yard outing against Rutgers, finishing with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown as the Trojans opened Big Ten play with a 42-35 road victory.
Those performances have made Miller an important complement to quarterback Jayden Maiava. With defenses forced to respect USC’s passing game, Miller gives the Trojans an option capable of punishing lighter defensive boxes and keeping the offense balanced.
The depth behind him also continues to develop. Riley Wormley has begun earning meaningful opportunities, while USC has several other talented backs available. That depth means Miller does not have to carry the entire rushing attack himself.
But when USC needs consistency on the ground, No. 8 has become one of the players the offense can trust.
His emergence also represents one of the more unusual success stories on USC’s roster. Miller went from a lightly recruited local prospect and walk-on to a scholarship running back producing against Big Ten competition.
The expectations are different now.
Miller is no longer trying simply to earn an opportunity. He has already done that. The challenge in 2026 is proving he can remain one of USC’s most reliable offensive weapons throughout an increasingly difficult conference schedule.
As the Trojans move deeper into Big Ten play, USC will need its passing attack, its young playmakers and its defense to continue developing.
But in the backfield, King Miller has already given the Trojans something they can rely on.
Comments