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 23 days to go, today we look at former USC running back Tre Madden.
Position; Running back
Years played at USC: 2011-2015
Career highlights: Madden initially arrived at USC in 2011 as a linebacker. As a true freshman that season, he appeared in all 12 of the team’s games as a backup linebacker and on special teams. During 2012 spring practice, Madden switched positions to running back, but a knee injury forced him to miss the entire 2012 season and redshirt.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2013, Madden began the year as the Trojans’ featured running back. Following the emergence of Javorious “Buck” Allen, however, Madden was reduced to a reserve role. He finished the season with 138 injuries for 703 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 15 receptions for 201 yards and two scores.
In 2014, a toe injury caused Madden to miss the entire season for the second time in three years. He returned as the starter in 2015 and again got off to a hot start, before injuries and the emergence of younger backs Justin Davis and Ronald Jones II once again diminished Madden’s role down the stretch. Madden ended the year with 85 carries for 452 yards and five touchdowns, while also catching 17 passes for 133 yards and a score.
After USC: Madden signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 NFL Draft. After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, he appeared in 22 games with the team between 2017 and 2018, earning playing time at fullback. He finished his professional career with three carries for three yards and four receptions for 100 yards.
Madden’s last stint in the NFL was a tryout with the Detroit Lions in August of 2020.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans running back Tre Madden
Reporting by Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
