USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans OL Sam Baker

USC's countdown to kickoff spotlights Sam Baker, a lineman whose USC career helped shape a championship era. Baker started at left tackle for four seasons from 2004 through 2007 after redshirting in 2003. He earned first-team All-American honors in 2005, 2006, and 2007, joining a small cadre of three-time All-Americans. During his tenure, USC claimed two national championships, three Rose Bowls, an Orange Bowl, and five Pac-10 titles. Baker protected quarterbacks Leinart and Bush and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of 2008. In seven NFL seasons with Atlanta, he appeared in 70 games and started 61. A knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2014 season, and he was released by Atlanta in 2015. The Trojans Wire notes his impact as part of USC's dominant late-2000s offensive line. USC will open the 2026 season against San Jose State at the Coliseum on August 29. The countdown series honors a Trojan who helped secure national championships and shaped the program's legacy.