USC football head coach Lincoln Riley is assembling an elite 2026 recruiting class, but what about 2025? His roster is not at the level of the 2026 group. This 2025 USC team needs more pieces. The Trojans aren’t where they need to be, or at least, no one should feel satisfied with the state of the 2025 roster given how far USC fell in 2024. In order to compete for a College Football Playoff spot, the Trojans need more bodies. Where do they need them entering the spring transfer portal window?
“I think there are some of the obvious positions where we’re a little bit thin that we may look at,” Riley said. “Linebacker is one of those. Certainly it will kinda depend on how spring plays out and some of those other position battles and all that. That will determine the most. But I don’t think it will be a huge, incredibly active period for us. My gut is we’ll end up having a handful of positions that we’re going to look at, and if we feel like someone fits, then we may pursue it.”
There might be some misdirection here. Riley specifically named linebacker, but he left the door open to other positions. We will see if USC really is set on a linebacker in the portal, or if the Trojans are actually prioritizing other position groups.
USC football player revolt erupts over brutal move
USC football is currently grappling with significant internal unrest, as a series of high-profile player departures and recruiting setbacks have cast a shadow over head coach Lincoln Riley’s tenure.
Key Departures and Decommitments
- Julian Lewis, a five-star quarterback and the No. 5 QB in the 2025 class, decommitted from USC in November 2024. His departure marked the sixth loss from the 2025 ESPN 300 for the Trojans, following the flips of defensive lineman Hayden Lowe to Miami and cornerback Shamar Arnoux to Auburn.
- Justus Terry and Isaiah Gibson, both five-star defensive linemen from Georgia, decommitted from USC within 24 hours in June 2024. Their departures were significant blows to the Trojans’ defensive recruiting efforts.
- Chasen Johnson, a cornerback who had recently committed to USC, reversed his decision just days later, opting to join SMU instead.
- Manasse Itete, a four-star offensive lineman from California, decommitted from USC in July 2024, with indications pointing toward a commitment to Florida State.
Internal Challenges and Strategic Decisions
The Trojans’ struggles are not limited to recruiting. Concerns have arisen over Lincoln Riley’s offensive schemes, particularly regarding the utilization of running backs. With a crowded backfield and limited carries to distribute, players like Brian Jackson and A’Marion Peterson may seek opportunities elsewhere.
Additionally, USC’s shift in recruiting focus—from local California talent to national prospects—has drawn criticism. Under Riley, the percentage of in-state recruits has dropped to approximately 42.6%, a significant decline from previous coaching regimes. This strategy has coincided with a decrease in on-field performance, with the Trojans’ win totals falling from 11 in 2022 to just six in 2024.
Outlook
As USC prepares for its transition to the Big Ten, the program faces mounting pressure to stabilize its roster and address internal discontent. The combination of high-profile departures, strategic missteps, and on-field underperformance suggests a pivotal period ahead for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans.
