The USC Trojans are gearing up for the 2025 season, and one player folks keep talking about is Bishop Fitzgerald. As part of USCFootball.com’s Top 30 Most Important Trojans, Fitzgerald pops out as a crucial addition to the defense.
This post takes a look at his journey, key stats, and what makes him such a pivotal player for USC this year.
Bishop Fitzgerald: A Key Transfer for USC’s Defense
Bishop Fitzgerald is a name USC fans should get used to hearing. At 5-foot-11 and 198 pounds, he brings real experience and talent to the Trojans.
He grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia, played at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, and then North Carolina State. Honestly, his path to USC feels pretty remarkable.
Impressive Junior College Career
Fitzgerald’s time at Coffeyville Community College changed the course of his career. He finished as the No. 1 junior college safety in the country after a standout 2022 season.
That year, he scored three touchdowns—one on a pick-six and two from fumble recoveries he returned for scores. He also racked up 50 tackles, six interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.
Transition to North Carolina State
After Coffeyville, Fitzgerald landed at North Carolina State and kept turning heads. Over two seasons with the Wolfpack, he picked off five passes and became a regular in their defensive back rotation.
In 2023, he started three games and played more than 500 defensive snaps. The next year, he started 12 of 13 games, logged over 700 snaps, and earned a 73.0 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus.
Fitzgerald’s Role at USC
Fitzgerald arrives at USC right when the Trojans need someone to fill the shoes of Akili Arnold, who started 12 games last season. He’s expected to take over a safety spot next to Kamari Ramsey, maybe forming a pretty dynamic duo in the secondary.
His playmaking and leadership have already caught the attention of defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.
Competition in the Safety Room
Fitzgerald looks like the frontrunner for the starting safety job, but the competition is no joke. Christian Pierce reportedly had a strong spring, and Notre Dame transfer Kennedy Urlacher adds even more depth.
This makes fall camp crucial for Fitzgerald if he wants to lock down that spot.
Leadership and Stability
One thing that stands out about Fitzgerald is his leadership. Lynn described him as a “level-headed, calm guy” who keeps the defense steady when things get tough.
That kind of presence matters, especially when the team faces wild or unexpected moments. It’s not just about making plays—sometimes, you need someone who can keep everyone lined up and focused.
Impact on USC’s Defense
Fitzgerald can tackle, break up passes, and create turnovers—all things USC’s defense needs. In 2024, he made 55 tackles, including seven for a loss, and broke up eight passes.
He was credited with 20 defensive stops, which means tackles that put the offense in a tough spot. He faced 34 targets in coverage, giving up 21 catches for 204 yards, so he knows how to limit big plays.
Post-Fall Camp Rankings
Right now, Fitzgerald sits at No. 18 in the Top 30 Most Important Trojans. A strong fall camp could bump him up even higher.
With so much depth at safety, only the best will start, and Fitzgerald’s experience gives him a real shot.
Looking Ahead
As USC gets ready for 2025, there’s a lot of curiosity about how the defense will come together. Adding Fitzgerald, plus other key transfers and returning players, sets the stage for what could be a pretty tough defensive group.
The Trojans have a tradition of producing top-tier defensive talent. Fitzgerald now has the chance to add his name to that list—no pressure, right?
Final Thoughts
Bishop Fitzgerald started out as a junior college standout. Now, he’s become a key player for USC—no small feat, honestly.
He makes plays when it counts and brings real leadership to the field. You can see why the Trojans value him so much.
If you’re curious about what’s next, keep an eye on Fitzgerald this season. He’s bound to shake things up on USC’s defense.
For more details, updates, and a deeper dive into Fitzgerald and other important players, check out the full article on USCFootball.com.
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