In a clever tactical maneuver, the University of Southern California’s third-string quarterback Sam Huard, disguised in the same jersey number as the team’s punter, successfully executed a fake punt against Northwestern, contributing to the Trojans’ 38-17 victory on Friday night. This deception caught the Wildcats off guard and showcased innovative play-calling.
The game unfolded at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 7, 2025, with No. 20 USC hosting Northwestern in a non-conference matchup. Early in the second quarter, the Trojans faced a fourth-and-6 from their own territory, setting the stage for a special teams trick play. Instead of a conventional punt, special teams coordinator Ryan Dougherty called for a deception that had been meticulously planned for weeks. The decision to use Huard in this role was strategic, aiming to exploit Northwestern’s expectations.
Sam Huard, who typically wears No. 7, took the field in a No. 80 jersey identical to that of punter Sam Johnson. Receiving the snap, Huard threw a precise 10-yard pass to wide receiver Tanook Hines, who secured the catch for a first down. The Northwestern defense, anticipating a routine punt, was completely fooled by the subterfuge. Huard’s execution under pressure demonstrated his readiness despite his third-string status, and the play extended USC’s drive significantly.
This jersey switch was entirely legal, as USC had officially updated Huard’s number on the game-day roster submitted to officials before the contest. College football rules permit multiple players to share the same number, placing the responsibility on opponents to review rosters for any changes. Northwestern coach David Braun admitted after the game that his staff missed the alteration, calling it an oversight that would inform future preparations. The legality was confirmed by officials, with no penalties assessed.
Following the successful play, Huard was seen grinning and exchanging high-fives with teammates as he left the field, highlighting the moment’s excitement. Coach Lincoln Riley praised the execution, noting that the team had confidence in Huard’s ability to make the throw despite defensive pressure. Riley revealed that the number change had been listed on rosters for three weeks without detection, emphasizing the staff’s attention to detail. Huard, a former five-star recruit who began his college career at Washington, embraced the opportunity to contribute.
Northwestern’s David Braun credited Riley and Dougherty for their creativity, describing the trick as a “lesson learned” for his program. He vowed that in future games, his team would meticulously examine opponent rosters to prevent similar surprises. The Fox broadcast crew initially misidentified Huard as Johnson, underscoring the effectiveness of the disguise and the element of surprise. This incident highlights the importance of thorough pre-game checks in competitive sports.
The fake punt extended USC’s drive, which culminated in a touchdown run by quarterback Jayden Maiava, boosting the Trojans’ lead and momentum in their decisive victory. This event mirrors a similar stunt by Bowling Green last season, where a quarterback switched jerseys to execute a trick play in a bowl game. Such deceptive tactics underscore the strategic depth in college football, reminding teams to stay vigilant in all aspects of game preparation. The play not only impacted the game’s outcome but also sparked discussions on innovation and rule adherence in the sport.
