USC quarterback Cody Kessler is on the Sports Illustrated cover

Cody Kessler is the latest USC quarterback to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Kessler, a third-year starter, is an early candidate for the Heisman Trophy after he threw 39 touchdowns with five interceptions and led USC to a 9-4 record last season.

Kessler completed 19 of 26 passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns in a 55-6 victory over Arkansas State in the opener last Saturday.

He is the 135th Trojan to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated and the first active Trojans player to appear since former quarterback Matt Barkley in August of 2012.

Kessler appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids this summer with Auburn receiver D’haquille Williams, Texas Christian quarterback Trevone Boykin and Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott.

USC (1-0) plays Idaho (0-1) on Saturday in the Coliseum.

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