Calling an Audible: Hank Pepper’s Journey
Jai Ahuja, USC Football Communications Student Assistant
11/15/2025
When USC long snapper Hank Pepper walks out onto the Coliseum field, it’s for something bigger than just a game. His remarkable journey hasn’t been shaped by football alone, but by arduous battles fought off the field. For him, walking onto the field is a story of unwavering determination, continuous discipline and a love for something bigger than himself.
Now recognized as the nation’s best long snapper, Peper’s football career actually began while playing another position.
“I really do miss playing linebacker,” reminisced Pepper. “But going out as long snapper means I still have the chance to hit someone. That’s all I’m really looking for – any contact.”
Pepper was never the player to shy away from a tackle. In high school, he was a phenomenal linebacker with size, instincts and a motor that earned him Defensive Player of the Year his senior season at Chandler High School in Arizona. In addition to his God-given talent, his drive propelled him to go above and beyond playing just linebacker.
“In sixth grade, my dad sent me to long snapping practice, and I was terrible,” said Pepper. “I would go after football practice and workouts, and it was an hour drive each way. But I did that four times a week, every week, from sixth grade until I started college.”
Pepper’s hard work paid off as he was also named Special Teams Player of the Year his senior season and was recognized as the nation’s top long snapper in the 2021 recruiting class.
Pepper’s many accolades were a result of hard work and discipline, but he also had to tackle an experience far more strenuous than the game of football. During his freshman year of high school, he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The sickness was extremely hard on his body, causing him to lose 60 pounds in a single year. Pepper worked hard to get his size back and his body healthy, but he chose to leave defense behind and focus on long snapping as he began his Division I career at Michigan State.
“Playing linebacker was always a possibility for me, but I decided that there were certain things in my life that I wanted, and I didn't want my body to be hurting as much as it already was,” said Pepper. “The life of a specialist is much easier on my body.”
Pepper’s health journey continued on through college, even after he was named the starting long snapper at Michigan State as a freshman in 2021. During his sophomore year in 2022, he was diagnosed with a rare, autoimmune blood disorder, IgA Vasculitis, causing another 60 pound drop in his weight and immense amounts of pain.
“There were a lot of days where I couldn't do a whole lot other than lying in bed,” reflected Pepper. “I couldn’t even walk up the stairs. I didn’t think football was going to be a possibility anymore because I felt so brittle.”
He was able to attend classes virtually while he was dealing with his sickness, giving him the ability to spend ample time at home, where his parents could care for him and offer all the succor he needed.
After competing in just 9 games throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Pepper made the decision to transfer to USC. Once arriving at Troy, he was set up with a team of expert health professionals.
“Miss Rachel (Suba), our team nutritionist, has been a huge help,” he said. “There’s nothing I can’t go to her for. The medical staff has been incredible, too. I’m so well taken care of beyond what any school could have done for me.”
In addition to playing for a legendary program, Pepper was even more excited to play for Lincoln Riley.
“It was always a dream of mine to work with Coach Riley, and he was the first call to me out of the portal,” said Pepper. “Lots of programs take special teams for granted. Seeing how he is in all of our meetings, and how he takes the time to specifically coach us goes a long way in showing the value he has in special teams.”
After becoming a Trojans and working with an incredible staff of medical professionals to manage his health, his love of football was reignited.
“This team is an incredible family,” he said. “I’ve never felt so comfortable around people. It’s been an amazing transition, and it’s helped me through a lot more than anyone would know.”
Now, Pepper is recognized as one of the best special teams players in the country and an All-American candidate. His physicality as a long snapper forces teams to double team, and sometimes even triple team him, in their blocking schemes.
As a Trojan, he has seen action in all 22 games as USC’s starting long snapper as a redshirt junior in 2024. He tallied 9 fair catches forced, 6 downed punts and 3 tackles. In 2024, he also recorded a crucial play against Wisconsin by recovering a muffed punt at the Badgers' 30-yard line. This play by Pepper gave the Trojans a short field which ultimately resulted in a USC score. He was named to the 2024 All-Big Ten Third Team.
“Hank exemplifies the culture of the USC Football program,” said USC head coach Lincoln Riley. “He’s a team leader on and off the field, he succeeds in the classroom and his work ethic is second to none. As one of the nation’s top long snappers, Hank impacts the game with his outstanding execution as well as his exceptional punt coverage. He’s relentlessly committed to excellence. Hank’s energy is palpable, and he brings out the best in his teammates.”
Pepper attributes his dedication to an appreciation for the opportunity that every single day provides. There was a time in which he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to play football again, and now, he’s going out and competing in front of thousands of fans at the Coliseum. His leadership and confidence forged through years of battling adversity quickly earned him a recurring spot as a team captain, a rare honor for a specialist.
“I had to reflect mentally, that while even in the hospital and dealing with everything going on with my body, that this could be a whole lot worse. My illnesses have been blessings in disguise. I have learned so much from them.”
Pepper hopes to spread his positivity and optimism with everyone fighting invisible battles.
“I want to be a light for others,” he said. “To show people that even if you have something going on, you can always make something better out of it. Theres always a way.”
From linebacker to long snapper, from hospital beds to the Coliseum tunnel, Pepper’s journey is a testament to what happens when perseverance meets purpose. His story may begin with football, but ultimately, it’s about something much greater: the courage to keep going and call an audible when life changes the playbook.
