Eric Gentry was a marquee performer for USC to open the season. However, he was sidelined due to concussions and eventually made the decision to redshirt the rest of the 2024 campaign.

At the time of his announcement, Gentry made it clear he was not investigating a transfer or making a decision over NIL issues. It was simply a decision about trying to get healthy after a string of concussions close together.

Now, he appears to be ready to return to the field for Friday’s bowl game vs. Texas A&M.

According to multiple reporters on site, including Luca Evans with the OC Register, Gentry is active and warming up to face the Aggies in the Las Vegas Bowl. Gentry has not been active for a game since Sept. 28 vs. Wisconsin.

Gentry was USC’s leader in multiple statistical categories when on the field with 30 total tackles across the first 4 games to go with 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. He set a new career-high with 12 tackles and 3 TFL in a monster outing vs. Michigan.

After redshirting the rest of the regular season, Gentry preserved a year of eligibility, and he is clear to play in the bowl game without burning his redshirt. Hopefully, he’s able to have a smooth return to action Friday night.