News Summary
The USC Trojans football program is preparing for the upcoming season under head coach Lincoln Riley. Despite a promising recruiting class ranking second nationally, the team’s recent on-field performance has been disappointing. With significant concerns surrounding key positions and financial commitments to coaching, the Trojans are under pressure to improve. As they invest in facilities and adapt to the evolving landscape of college athletics, expectations are high for the season ahead as they strive to overcome past mediocrity.
Los Angeles – The USC Trojans football program is gearing up for the 2025 season under head coach Lincoln Riley, now entering his fourth year with the team. While the potential of the team remains high, the on-field performance has not aligned with those expectations, having demonstrated only a singular notable stretch of success since Riley’s arrival. The team’s win total has seen a decline each year, dropping from 11 victories in 2022 to just seven in the preceding season.
As the Trojans focus on a revamped recruiting strategy, they currently stand with the second-ranked recruiting class in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite, ahead of the upcoming early signing period. This marks a crucial moment for the program as it attempts to consolidate talent for future success.
Despite the positive recruiting news, there remain significant concerns surrounding the team’s overall talent level. Key positions, such as the offensive line and cornerback, are in critical need of improvement. Furthermore, the necessity for elite quarterback play has become increasingly important as team dynamics evolve. Historically, USC’s recruiting efforts have fluctuated, with two classes finishing in the top ten and two others falling outside the top 50 in the last seven years. Under Riley’s guidance, only one top-10 recruiting class has been achieved, raising questions about the overall recruiting strategy.
General manager Chad Bowden has expressed optimistic views on USC’s resurgence, suggesting that the program is reawakening from a period of mediocrity. The shift in recruitment strategy is seen as a foundational change towards better performance, particularly as the athletic department enhances its focus on football as a primary funding model.
However, the Trojans have faced various challenges adapting to the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) landscape. Initially, the university resisted participation in NIL collectives, resulting in inconsistent support for players. Following the appointment of new athletic director Jen Cohen in August 2023, revitalized efforts have been made to establish a clear direction regarding NIL. Cohen’s introduction has led to a strengthened support system and significant investments to improve the coaching ranks.
USC football is shifting its focus toward high school recruits within the region and aims to reduce its reliance on transfer portal players. Current efforts have resulted in 32 commitments for the 2026 recruiting class, featuring several top-100 recruits who indicate an improvement in local recruitment efforts.
Nevertheless, apprehensions have arisen concerning the provided financial packages for recruits, prompting scrutiny over the program’s allure compared to competing institutions. Bowden stated that USC continues to attract players based on notable offerings as well as the program’s overall appeal.
As the Trojans prepare for the upcoming season, expectations are high for Lincoln Riley, particularly as financial commitments to his position exceed $70 million, which diminish the likelihood of any coaching changes despite the recent underwhelming performances. The season opener is scheduled for August 30 against Missouri State at 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on the Big Ten Network.
Moreover, USC is investing significantly in its facilities, such as the forthcoming Bloom Football Performance Center, set to open in 2026 with a staggering $200 million investment. This infrastructure is anticipated to provide the resources necessary to enhance both recruiting and player development moving forward.
In summary, the USC Trojans face critical challenges and opportunities as they head into the 2025 season, striving to capitalize on a promising recruiting class while addressing pressing concerns regarding player performance and program identity.
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Lincoln Riley Praises Chad Bowden’s Impact on USC
- NY Times: USC Football and NIL Under Lincoln Riley
- TMZ: Lendale White on USC’s College Football Playoffs
- Athlon Sports: USC Trojans Recruitments
- 247Sports: Coach Harvey Hyde Excited for USC Game Week
- Google Search: USC Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Wikipedia: USC Trojans Football
- Google Scholar: USC Football
- Google News: USC Football
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the LA Auto Show, Hollywood Film Awards, and the Los Angeles Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology that power the local economy such as Warner Bros. and SpaceX. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
