As the USC Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley prepare for what they hope to be a successful 2026 season, the pressure continues to ramp up for the Trojans to make the College Football Playoff.  With such expectations, there is one player in particular who may be under the most pressure heading into next season.  Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Michael Jackson III (2) is tackled by USC Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (23) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images Linebacker Desman Stephens II At the second level of the defense, linebacker Desman Stephens II could be under some of the most pressure on the entire roster.  Following the 2026 NFL Draft , the USC defense lost a significant amount of talent with the departures of linebacker Eric Gentry, edge rusher Anthony Lucas, cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson, in addition to safeties Bishop Fitzgerald and Kamari Ramsey.  As…