Countdown to kickoff is back! USC will kick off its 2026 football season on August 29 when the Trojans host San Jose State at the Coliseum. In this series, we will be counting down the days until the season opener by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number.
With 29 days to go, today we look at former USC running back Vavae Malepeai.
Position: Running back
Years played at USC: 2016-2021
Career highlights: Although never the flashiest running back, Malepeai was Mr. Consistent for USC. After redshirting in 2016 and serving in a backup role in 2017, Malepeai was one of the Trojans’ two primary backs for each of the next four seasons. In 2018, 2019, and 2021, he finished with over 500 rushing yards and at least six touchdowns.
Malepeai wore number 29 for his first five years at USC, before switching to number six for his final season in 2021.
After USC: From 2023 through 2025, Malepeai served as an offensive quality control analyst at Stanford. In March, he was hired as the running backs coach at UC Davis.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans RB Vavae Malepeai
Reporting by Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
