Sam Huard: Stepping into the Family Business
By Natalie Miller, USC Football Communications Student Assistant
9/11/2026
On fourth-and-6 in the second quarter against Northwestern, he heard his number called and knew it was time. USC’s punter, No. 80, jogged onto the field, caught a perfect snap and turned what ended up being a fake punt into a beautifully executed 10-yard completion that resulted in a crucial first down. The crowd erupted into a thunderous roar.
Except this time, No. 80 wasn’t USC’s punter Sam Johnson. It was none other than quarterback Sam Huard wearing an 80 jersey.
“Tanook [Hines] ran a great route, Hank [Pepper] had a great snap, and the rest is kind of a blur. The pieces came together perfectly,” Huard said with a smile.
The quarterback had officially changed his number in multiple games prior to the matchup against the Wildcats last season in anticipation of the play that had the nation in shock.
“I’ve played several great games in many different stadium environments, but that one was electric,” he said.
The execution was flawless and the play allowed the Trojans to cap off the drive with a touchdown. The game ultimately ended in a 38-17 win over the Wildcats.
“It was a really special moment,” he said. “But I was definitely excited to get back into the No. 7 jersey again.”
That number has a special meaning, not just to Huard, but to his entire family.
“My dad wore it,” he explained.
Huard is no stranger to the world of collegiate and professional football. Growing up, he watched his dad, Damon Huard, through his 12-year NFL career, winning two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He played collegiately at the University of Washington, finishing his run with the Huskies as the all-time passer in 1995.
“I learned how to throw a football by playing catch in the backyard with my dad,” he said. “He has taught me everything I know about being a quarterback.”
His father has been in his shoes and has become Huard's biggest inspiration and supporter throughout his journey. But the support doesn’t stop there.
Both of his grandfathers played college football before becoming legendary coaches in the state of Washington. His uncle, Brock Huard, was the starting quarterback at the University of Washington from 1996 to 1998. Brock broke Damon’s record as the all-time leading passer for the Huskies and went on to play with the Colts and Seahawks in the NFL. Not to mention his other uncle, Luke Huard, who is USC’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He played at North Carolina before beginning his accomplished coaching career.
“Being able to come play for my uncle is an opportunity I am so grateful for,” he said. “His hardworking nature gives me the extra motivation to come in every day and try my absolute best.”
His family ties to USC don’t stop there; his older sister, Holly, is the executive assistant to USC Athletic Director Jen Cohen.
“She’s my big sister and one of the greatest people I know,” he said. “It's special to have her here with me.”
His football-centered childhood led him directly into the family business with a support system he will forever cherish. From watching his dad play to being mentored by his uncles, he has become the player he is today through the guidance of those closest to him.
“Growing up around football strengthened my love for the game and the life lessons that come along with it,” he said.
Huard is not only surrounded by family, but he also prioritizes creating that same dynamic within his team. His quarterback room is closer than ever, a bond he credits to the way he was raised.
“I learned early on that football is the ultimate team sport and so much of it is credited to building my teammates up,” he said.
He views each day as an opportunity for healthy competition. Having played with several quarterbacks throughout his career, the veteran is confident in his ability to connect with his teammates and serve as an encouraging presence.
“I have grown so much as a quarterback by just going out and competing with Jayden [Maiava] and Jonas [Williams],” Huard said. “We make each other better and push one another every day.”
Put hardworking, determined people in a room together, Huard believes, and they will naturally push one another toward success while offering support along the way. And put them in a room with the quarterback guru Lincoln Riley, and that’s when the magic really happens.
“When you're at USC with Lincoln Riley, you're going to be in a pretty good quarterback room,” he said with a laugh.
From tossing the ball with his dad to working with Uncle Luke and Coach Riley, Huard has developed an identity of his own, carrying on the family business in his own way. He takes pride not only in the leader he has become, but also in the success of those around him.
“Wherever I go, wherever I end up, I want to leave the place better than I found it,” he said. “I want to be remembered as someone who genuinely cares about the success of those around me.”
At USC, he continues to do just that, embracing every opportunity to grow as a quarterback, teammate and leader. Huard may have inherited a football legacy and a jersey number, but he is defining his own role in the family business.
