Carolina’s 20-3 loss to Houston in the preseason exposed both bright spots and rough edges for the Panthers, but for fantasy managers the standout moments were clear. Brycen Tremayne led the offense with 46 receiving yards on three catches, averaging 15.3 yards per grab and hauling a 23-yard score-like hook in the third; Jarrett Kingston handled all 32 snaps at center with zero pressures and earned game-high reliability; Yosh Nijman allowed zero pressures across his 32 snaps at right tackle and extra work at left tackle, while Brady Christensen provided steady value on the left edge. Emani Bailey delivered a 66.3 grade on a complementary backfield role. On the quarterback side, Andy Dalton left with an elbow issue after two completions on four attempts for 22 yards, while Jack Plummer finished 10 of 14 for 83 yards with two interceptions, and Ja'Tavion Sanders dropped a third-down ball that stalled Carolina’s opening drive.

Defensively, Jon Rhattigan scored a 90.0, pacing three pressures and an 83.5 coverage grade; Trevin Wallace (83.7 coverage), Bam Martin-Scott (79.5), J.J. Weaver (72.3), and Lathan Ransom (71.0) also flashed in coverage and pressure. The defense showed a few notable stops, but the unit also surrendered a handful of plays that will need cleaner technique and better situational awareness in August. The worst marks belonged to S Jack Henderson (47.9), Boogie Basham (47.9), Shy Tuttle (47.4), Thomas Incoom (44.1), and A’Shawn Robinson (29.5) overall, with Basham/Incoom delivering five combined pressures but Robinson’s coverage grade dragging the unit.

Bottom line: Tremayne, Kingston, Nijman, Christensen and Bailey surfaced as likely roster fixtures or practice-squad type contributors, while Dalton’s health and the QB room’s continuity will be closely watched into Week 1 prep. On defense, Rhattigan and Wallace offered playmaking upside, but the trenches and secondary showed a mix of solid fundamentals and needed improvements as Carolina builds toward the regular season.

The USC Trojans are gearing up for their 2025 football season, which kicks off in just 52 days. The buildup includes a new series spotlighting notable former players, beginning with Jarrett Kingston, an offensive lineman who transferred to USC from Washington State for his final collegiate season in 2023. Kingston made a significant impact by appearing in 12 games and starting 11, playing both right tackle and right guard. His talent caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, Kingston's time with the 49ers was short-lived as he was waived before the regular season and subsequently signed by the Carolina Panthers. His journey reflects the challenges faced by college athletes transitioning to the professional level, underscoring the importance of adaptability and resilience in pursuing a successful career in the NFL.