LOS ANGELES — It’s not odd to see teams run special team trick plays, but No. 21 Southern California pulled off one of the sneakiest fake punts you’ll ever see.
Against Northwesternon Friday, Nov. 7, the Trojans faced fourth down near midfield early in the second quarter. The punt team ran out onto the field, but when the play began, the punter looked like a seasoned quarterback, dropping back and delivering a dot left-handed to receiver Tanook Hines for the first down on a well-timed throw after standing tall in the pocket.
It looked impressive from punter No. 80 Sam Johnson.
IT’S A FAKE PUNT 🫨
Punter Sam Johnson throws it for a @uscfb first down! pic.twitter.com/eRMSo0gQ2m
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2025
However, that wasn’t the punter.
That was actually third-string quarterback Sam Huard. Listed as No. 7 on USC’s online roster, he was listed on the game day roster as No. 80.
A USC spokesperson confirmed Huard had his number changed to No. 80 for the game, a sneaky deception used by USC coach Lincoln Riley to execute the fake. It certainly faked out Fox broadcasters Jason Benetti and Robert Griffin III as people wondered if it was possible for players to change their numbers before a game.
Later in the game, Benetti clarified it was Huard that threw the pass, noting he is the nephew of his former broadcast partner, Brock Huard.
Later, Jason Benetti learns that this is actually USC backup QB Sam Huard throwing on the fake punt.
Huard is the nephew of Benetti’s former broadcast partner, Brock.
“My phone is going to be a disaster if Brock watches this. An absolute disaster.” pic.twitter.com/pPwzgTrECOhttps://t.co/Tm6JF6hbWa
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 8, 2025
The fake punt turned out to pay off, as USC later scored a touchdown on the drive. Huard got a lot of love on the USC sideline, and according to sideline reporter Alexa Landestoy he went to the tape to admire his work.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USC runs fake punt with third-string QB having same number as punter
