USC starting center Kilian O’Connor is expected to miss the entire upcoming season after suffering a non-contact injury during practice, multiple outlets report. USC head coach Lincoln Riley announced the news on Thursday at the team’s new $225 million Bloom Football Performance Center. Riley describes the problem as a “freak injury” that occurred without contact, and he does not provide details on the specific diagnosis. According to the reports, O’Connor will be sidelined for the season and has undergone surgery related to the injury. USC’s offensive line depth is therefore expected to be tested with the season opener approaching. While the outlets agree on the timing and overall impact—O’Connor being the starting center and the injury leading to season-ending absence—none of the provided summaries specifies the exact injury type or recovery timeline beyond the season-long status. The announcements leave USC to adjust its center position and offensive line rotation as preparations for the new season continue.