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.

Today, we look at former USC linebacker Anthony Sarao.

Position: Linebacker

Years played at USC: 2011-2015

Career highlights: After redshirting as a true freshman in 2011, Sarao served as a key backup linebacker during his redshirt freshman season in 2012. Sarao moved into the starting lineup midway through the 2013 season, and remained there for the rest of his time at USC. As a redshirt senior in 2015, he was named a team captain.

Sarao finished his career in Cardinal and Gold with 216 total tackles, seven sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one touchdown.

After USC: Sarao was not selected in the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, but was released prior to the start of the regular season. He did, however, have a brief career in the Canadian Football League in 2017 and 2018.

Sarao currently works on the strength and conditioning staff for the Buffalo Bills.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans LB Anthony Sarao