The USC Trojans have been a factory for top receivers in the NFL, just like Ohio State and LSU. The Trojans have cultivated their own stars on a consistent basis, but even the Trojans who left have taken off elsewhere, such as Duce Robinson and Zachariah Branch.
In a recent article, Brad Crawford highlights a former Trojan as the top playmaker in college football. Here is what he had to say about former Trojan receiver Duce Robinson, now at Florida State:
“As Mike Norvell takes over offensive play-calling duties with a new quarterback in tow, Florida State’s attack needed a proven difference-maker on the perimeter, and that’s exactly what Robinson brings as a red zone threat and third-down specialist. The most physically imposing receiver in the ACC, Robinson gives the Seminoles a matchup problem that defenses simply can’t replicate in practice.
At 6-foot-6 with heightened athleticism, he’s capable of winning contested catches, stretching the field vertically and creating favorable opportunities around the goal line when Florida State needs a big play. His importance goes beyond statistics. Robinson’s presence changes how defenses align and creates favorable matchups for everyone around him. For an offense looking to reestablish itself among the ACC’s best, having a go-to target with NFL-caliber traits is invaluable.”
At USC, Duce Robinson showed the potential of being a really good receiver; he just never got the full workload of a top receiver in the offense. Transferring to Florida State this past season opened the door for him to shine. Robinson had 6 touchdowns, on 1081 yards receiving, last season. The Seminoles were disappointing last season as a team. If Robinson stayed put at USC, he would have been on a winning team this year, while being a lock as a first-round pick in next year’s draft.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Former Trojan receiver viewed as top 2026 playmaker in the country
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Micah Huff, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
