Three days after the Big Ten stated that USC should have faced penalties for a fake punt pass in their 38-17 victory over Northwestern, the Trojans have responded.
Sam Huard wears the same jersey number (No. 80) as starting punter Sam Johnson. In the game notes for the Northwestern match, Huard was designated as No. 7.
During a fourth-and-6 situation early in the second quarter against the Wildcats, Huard entered the game in No. 80 and completed a pass that secured a first down for the Trojans. They ended up scoring on that drive to lead 14-7.
On Sunday, the Big Ten referenced an NCAA regulation under «Unfair Tactics,» which states: «Two players occupying the same position may not share the same number during the game.» They declared that USC should have received a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
USC replied to this development on Wednesday by sharing a video of Huard and Johnson at a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on campus. A barista delivers a drink marked «Sam #80,» but both Huard and Johnson take it.
easy to get confused 8⃣0⃣ pic.twitter.com/WN0iiQ6nJ6
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) November 12, 2025
«Number 80?» Huard asks, to which Johnson responds: «For Sam.» The barista then brings out another drink, calling out «Sam No. 7,» which Huard then takes.
As they move away, Huard remarks to Johnson: «Nice pass the other day.» To this, the punter replies: «Nice punts.»
USC head coach Lincoln Riley disclosed after Friday’s game that they had changed Huard’s number weeks prior. Northwestern coach David Braun noted that USC «did legally submit that» as it was listed on the game-day roster at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. He also took responsibility for the successful deception.
«And the lesson I will carry forward for my entire career is that when we arrive at a venue, we will meticulously review that for any potential issues,» Braun stated.
