University of Southern California running back Waymond Jordan Jr. shared why he continues to lean on Romans 8:18.
“When I read it for the first time, it just made sense to me. And it always stuck with me,” Jordan said on “The Walk” podcast.
The verse reads, “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”
“Like, I have had this tattoo since I was in high school. Sometimes I have it on my screen saver…just to keep reminding me, like, everything that you’re going through, it’s nothing compared to what God has in store for you,” the athlete explained. “In the end, it will be way greater than what you’re going through right now. So, in 10 years, I’ll look back and be like, ‘Man, that was nothing.’”
Before Jordan made his way to California, he played for Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. While there, he was named the conference’s 2024 Offensive Player of the Year and became the No. 1 JUCO running back in his class, Sports Illustrated reported. He signed with USC in January 2025, and head coach Lincoln Riley later named him the likely starter, with the first depth chart listing him as the top running back.
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In 2025, he was an immediate contributor, but his season also had setbacks. He had some early ball-security problems, including a fumble on the opening drive against Illinois. Then he suffered a major ankle injury in mid-October and missed the rest of the regular season, six games in all.
However, that didn’t stop Jordan from rising above, trusting in God’s plan for his life and using the time off to be with his daughter.
“Having my own little family means everything to me, and it gives me a greater sense of purpose. She’s the reason I work so hard to succeed. I want to create opportunities for her and be able to provide for her,” Jordan told USC recently.
After the season, Jordan decided not to declare for the NFL Draft and returned to USC for his senior season. So far, the running back has delivered for USC. He has a total of 335 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. His season high came against Fresno State when he totaled 67 yards on 11 carries to add one touchdown to USC’s win.
For Jordan, the road to USC has been shaped as much by faith as by football. In his view, the hardest chapters, whether fumbles, injuries or long stretches on the sideline, are small compared to God’s plans.
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