USC continues to search for difference-making pass rushers

Earlier this month, USC offered Zach Groves, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound, four-star edge rusher from Cross Plains (Tennessee), where he plays for East Robertson High School.

Groves also holds offers from LSU, Tennessee, Vandy, Louisville, Kentucky, Indiana and Memphis.

The Tennessee native is rated No. 132 in the nation overall, the No. 12 best edge rusher in the 2026 class, and No. 2 in the state of Tennessee.

Groves recorded 72 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 interceptions and 8 forced fumbles in his sophomore season last year.

There are no crystal ball projections at this time but Tennessee is a 53% favorite to land the four-star prospect per On3’s RPM.

You will notice the 215-pound weight for Groves. While being lighter on his feet will increase his speed on the edge, an elite pass rusher has to have the strength and muscle to be able to physically overwhelm offensive linemen at the point of attack. Groves will definitely need to become thicker and more physically imposing. Fortunately, he has two years to do that before entering the college of his choice.

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