USC football countdown to kickoff continues—Matt Kalil in focus
USC football countdown to kickoff continues—Matt Kalil in focus
The countdown to USC's 2025 football season is officially on! The Trojans kick off their new campaign 75 days from today. You need something to help you while away the days and hours in the spring and summer. This is one way to do so. In this new series, countdown to kickoff, we will be counting down the days by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number. Today, we take a look at former USC All-American offensive lineman Matt Kalil.
Position: Offensive line
Years played at USC: 2008-2011
Career highlights: Kalil redshirted his first season at USC in 2008. In 2009, he served as a backup offensive tackle, primarily playing on special teams. After making his first career start in the 2009 Emerald Bowl against Boston College, Kalil won USC's starting left tackle job prior to the 2010 season—a role he would hold for the next two years. In 2011, he was named a first-team All-American and won the Morris Trophy as the top lineman in the Pac-12 Conference.
After USC: Following his redshirt junior season, Kalil declared for the 2012 NFL draft, where the Minnesota Vikings selected Kalil him the fourth overall pick. He would go on to play seven seasons in the league—five with Minnesota and two with the Carolina Panthers. Kalil's best year came as a rookie in 2012, when he was named to both the Pro Bowl and the league's All-Rookie team.
Kalil's older brother, Ryan, also played offensive line at USC from 2003-2006. In their retirement from football, the two brothers have launched a tequila company together.
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