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USC reflects on O.J. Simpson ahead of football season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 1:08 PM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

USC reflects on O.J. Simpson ahead of football season opener

Summary

As USC prepares for its 2026 football season opener against San Jose State on August 29, the program recaps the legacy of O.J. Simpson, a standout running back from 1967 to 1968. Simpson led the nation in rushing during both seasons at USC and won the Heisman Trophy in 1968. Following his college career, he was drafted first overall by the Buffalo Bills and went on to achieve significant success in the NFL, becoming a Hall of Famer. His life post-football was marked by notoriety and controversy, culminating in his passing from cancer in 2024 at the age of 76. USC has not made a public statement regarding his death.

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By the Numbers

•Simpson led USC in rushing in 1967 and 1968.
•He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968, becoming the second USC player to do so.
•Simpson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
•He was selected first overall in the 1969 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
•Simpson passed away in 2024; USC did not comment on his death.

Latest Updates

1:08 PMYahoo Sports — USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans running back O.J. Simpson

What they're saying

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Today, we look back at a legendary USC running back who later went on to become one of the most controversial figures in American history
— Yahoo Sports

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