While everyone waits for Caleb Williams to commit at any second, let’s look at another intriguing prospect in the transfer portal who may end up a Trojan. There is a lot of buzz Oregon tailback Travis Dye, who is from Norco, could be headed home. This would be a huge pick-up for USC, but I still wonder what Dye gets out of it? He would … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

The fanboy media was in hyperdrive this morning after USC sent out a Fight On emoji on twitter, thinking it was Caleb Williams. Instead, it was Stanford tailback Austin Jones is transferring to USC. Disappointed? Jones rushed for 378 yards and two touchdowns. Is he better than Brandon Campbell or Raleek Brown? If I’m Jones, I would have gone somewhere else. But it doesn’t matter. … Continue reading Stanford Tailback Austin Jones Commits To USC

If you are keeping score at home, USC’s busy transfer portal has taken a distinct look that may not exactly best meet the Trojans’ needs. Now it’s still early and there will be activity through the spring but let’s take a look at the current transfer portal class: USC has taken eight wide receivers and defensive backs but just three offensive/defensive linemen. I wouldn’t complain … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Transfer Portal Has Lopsided Look

Colorado cornerback Mekhi Blackmon has decided to transfer to USC. He was an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection. USC needs a corner because another reasons, Donte Williams didn’t seem to develop the younger cornerbacks last season. Now here is a back story that only interests coaches: Colorado secondary coach Demetrice Martin was hired by Oregon and quickly got his top Buffaloes corner, Christian Gonzalez, to join … Continue reading USC Adds A Transfer Corner*

ESPN analyst Pete Thamel was on SportsCenter today and discussed Caleb Williams. “So far, he’s visited USC and UCLA but he’s been on Zooms with a dozen other schools,” Thamel said. “The family is weighing their options and Carl Williams, his dad, told me last night NFL, not NIL, is the guiding light of what the family is doing . . . they want to … Continue reading USC Notes: Caleb Williams’ Father Says NFL Future Guides Decision

USC defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher has entered the transfer portal. It’s all so unsurprising. Sopsher played in one game last season after transferring from Alabama. Let’s review a familiar pattern: He transferred from Alabama in December, 2020. This caused the usual fanfare among the fanboy media because Sopsher “played” with the Crimson Tide. I noted here and here to be skeptical about Sopsher. Ex-defensive line … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Familiar Pattern With Some Transfers

I spoke to a Pac-12 head coach today who faced Colorado wide receiver Brenden Rice. “That dude is good. NFL good. That dude can ball. They got a good one,” the coach said. “He’s long. He can run. He’s got a nice catch radius.” Maybe USC will win games, 84-83, next season. Continue reading Brenden Rice Evaluation

There was a lot of excitement this morning that Caleb Williams would announce he was transferring to USC. Instead, wide receiver Brenden Rice of Colorado announced he would transfer to USC. He caught 21 passes for 299 yards and three TDs for the Buffs. Another receiver. Meanwhile, former Missouri defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, who visited USC last weekend, committed to LSU. Continue reading Son Of Jerry Rice Transferring To USC

There are reports in Mississippi that Jaxson Dart will commit to the Rebels in the next couple days. We shall see. If Dart wants to play this season, Mississippi is probably the right move. Former USC offensive lineman Tim Drevno is reportedly the top candidate to become the offensive line coach at UCLA per Bruin Report Online. Former Oregon wide receiver Mycah Pittman, the younger … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Of Course Another Jaxson Dart Update

Just as expected, Georgia quarterback JT Daniels is expected to enter the transfer portal, according to a published report. Maybe he can go to Georgia Southern. USC dropped to No. 16 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 basketball poll. Continue reading JT Daniels Expected To Enter Transfer Portal

WINNERS Jaxson Dart Whether he goes to Oklahoma or Mississippi, I just want him to tell us what his conversation was like with Lincoln Riley when he realized he didn’t have a future at USC. Mario Williams The Oklahoma wide receiver beat Caleb Williams to the punch by committing to USC. Did you know he is 5-9? Lane Kiffin He is in pole position to … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Winners And Losers Of The Week

Jaxson Dart and Michael Trigg went to a Mississippi basketball game last night but these are the pics they posted today from their visit. If you notice snow, remember Dart is from Utah. Lane Kiffin must be holding his breath he can pull this off. We out like 007🕴🏼• @Lane_Kiffin pic.twitter.com/SSV7yraDHb — Jaxson Dart (@JaxsonDart) January 16, 2022 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Throwing 4s with the 🐐@Lane_Kiffin pic.twitter.com/bp6WDQ9BnU … Continue reading Will Lane Kiffin Land Jaxson Dart/Michael Trigg?

A big shoe dropped today as former Oklahoma wide receiver Mario Williams committed to USC. It has to be just a matter of time before Caleb Williams also commits to USC. The offense is fine. The defense? Well . . . Meanwhile, Oklahoma is trying to engineer a double-trade with USC as Jaxson Dart and Michael Trigg visited yesterday. The pair are at Mississippi today. … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: Mario Williams To USC

UCLA coach Chip Kelly has received a four-year contract extension. The removal of defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro paved the way for Kelly’s extension. I already said two weeks ago I would have fired Kelly on Jan. 15 when his buyout expired. This now sets up Lincoln Riley vs. Chip Kelly for the next few years. There are a lot of negatives regarding Kelly but I … Continue reading Chip Kelly Gets Contract Extension

Tyrone Taleni, a defensive lineman at Kansas State, committed to USC today. He had five tackles and two sacks in two seasons with the Wildcats so who knows how impactful this signing will be. Meanwhile, USC has offered linebacker Lorenzo McCaskill, a transfer from the University of Louisiana. He led the Ragin’ Cajuns with 85 tackles last season. Continue reading USC Adds Defensive Lineman, Pursues Linebacker

Quite a week that is still reverberating with the news of Jaxson Dart in the transfer portal. What else matters other than quarterback transfer portal news? I’m still hearing from people at the McKay Center/Heritage Hall that Caleb Williams is coming to USC. They’ve been consistent for more than a month on this topic. Maybe Williams is convinced the USC offensive line is good because … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

With little fanfare earlier this week, the College Football Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2022. No one from USC made the class, which was surprising to some because Reggie Bush was on the ballot. But I wrote in August there was a campaign by some voters opposed to Bush being on the ballot. “One of the things you are supposed to take into … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Reggie Bush Surprisingly Not In News

Quarterback Jaxson Dart and tight end Michael Trigg are considering Mississippi and Oklahoma among other schools. A move to Mississippi makes sense because Matt Corral and is gone backup Luke Altmyer appeared in only four games last season. Oklahoma is a little different because Dillon Gabriel transferred there and already played for new offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. So unless Dart wants to sit out a … Continue reading Jaxson Dart Looking At Some Big Schools

I hope new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch runs a tight ship in the meeting rooms. Grinch is the defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Roy Manning coaches nickel backs. Donte Williams coaches cornerbacks. Here are my concerns: Who’s going to run the secondary meetings? Grinch because he is the coordinator? Will they meet separate with the corners, safeties and nickels in different rooms? Which coach is … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: How Many Voices Are Enough?

It’s almost like people are on auto-pilot when they do their too-early Top 25 rankings. I’ve already seen USC as high as No. 14 (Dennis Dodd) but the Trojans seem to just get slotted into the Top 25 rankings because of their name. I get that Lincoln Riley, Caleb Williams and an easy schedule are positives. But what about the negatives? But USC always made … Continue reading The Auto-Pilot Early Top 25 Rankings

The fans and many recruits are fully invested in the Lincoln Riley era. No news there. But what’s interesting is some others seem surprisingly unswayed. For example, tight end Michael Trigg thinks he is better served to look elsewhere. Who saw that coming? He looks like someone who could thrive in Riley’s offense. There’s also been some transfers who visited and then decided to go … Continue reading Not Everyone Swooning Over Lincoln Riley Apparently

WINNERS Caleb Williams He got wined and dined with trips to SoFi Stadium and Crypto-whatever arena and will likely bring Oklahoma wide receiver Mario Williams with him. I would be nervous if I was USC wide receiver Michael Jackson, who wears No. 13, if you know what I mean. Lincoln Riley He’s getting his superstar QB to start the USC era. But who is going … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Winners And Losers Of The Week

What else can happen today? Tight end Michael Trigg, who was viewed as a key part of the future under the previous staff, is in the transfer portal. He could return to USC but is exploring his options. Maybe he wondered how much a player like him could be featured in a Lincoln Riley offense? Jaxson Dart and Trigg would be a nice duo for … Continue reading Michael Trigg In Transfer Portal

I wrote last night that Jaxson Dart was looking at other colleges and this morning he has entered the transfer portal. What a shame that he is leaving, even though I believe Caleb Williams is a game-changer at QB. And Dart obviously has been told Williams is coming to USC. What happens if Miller Moss leaves? Who’s left? Continue reading Jaxson Dart Enters Transfer Portal

The USC coaching staff is official. The big disappointment is Donte Williams is not only coaching the cornerbacks, he got a fake title: Defensive passing game coordinator. Lincoln Riley is doing a lot of great things. This is not one of them. “I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence,” … Continue reading USC Finally Announces Coaching Staff

Caleb Williams attended the Rams and Lakers games on Sunday, which grabbed all the attention on social media. But what is going on with USC’s current starting QB, Jaxson Dart? I spoke to several sources within the football program over the weekend and they said Dart is already looking at colleges for a potential transfer . . . in case Williams transfers to USC. This … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: What’s Going On With Jaxson Dart?

It’s time to revive a debate about what really matters when it comes landing recruits. Some pundits always try to convince us that it is vital to have the support staff types recruiting. Even Mike Bohn constantly talks about it. But let’s look at the past six weeks: Tailback Raleek Brown, quarterback Malachi Nelson and wide receiver Makai Lemon switched from Oklahoma to USC. Wide … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Don’t Credit Wrong People For Recruits

I mentioned yesterday how USC has still not announced the coaching staff. If no one else gets hired, one scenario has Oklahoma cornerbacks coach Roy Manning coaching the linebackers and edge rushers while Donte Williams coaches cornerbacks. Is Lincoln Riley really cool with this? Forget about what Williams did as interim coach, did Riley analyze the job he did with the cornerbacks? Did Williams develop … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Should Reflect On One Decision

Usually, USC can be a bubble that creates a different view of things from the average fans. But right now there is a common topic buzzing through the McKay Center and general public: Caleb Williams. Within the program, there is a feeling USC is a heavy favorite to land Williams, which would immediately vault the program into the national conversation (fairly or unfairly). “From the … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Former USC players have started “Fight On Forever,” a new non-profit entity “with the purpose of caring for former Trojan teammates facing life’s challenges.”Fight On Forever will assist individuals or families dealing with economic hardships, health-related issues or struggles with addiction and mental health. The group has partnered with Hall of Fame Health, which was formed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and assists … Continue reading New Group Formed To Help USC Players

This is the time when Lincoln Riley is watching USC film over and over, at least when he isn’t offering recruits scholarships or monitoring the transfer portal. And I’ve heard whispers inside the McKay Center that linebackers are a constant subject as the coaches wonder how to improve the corps for next season. It’s quite a conundrum unless some more linebackers enter the portal. This … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: What Happened To Linebacker U.?

It looks like USC tailback Keaontay Ingram is turning pro. He was a highlight of the offense last season and his physical play was a plus, but with tailbacks having such small windows in the NFL, it probably makes sense for him to leave. Don’t forget USC also loses Kenan Christon. I’m intrigued by freshman Brandon Campbell from his very brief appearance against Cal. There’s … Continue reading Keaontay Ingram Going Pro

Pete Thamel of Yahoo reports that USC has hired Michigan defensive line coach Shaun Nua to replace Jamar Cain. Seems like a solid hire. Of course, that is not the first reaction from the fanboy choir. Everybody wants to coach for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans these days ✍️@EvanDesaiFShttps://t.co/1g95XpLdeR — Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) January 5, 2022 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js “Perfect assistants?” What in the world? Nua … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Hiring Of Assistant Gets Predictable Hysterical Reception

Finally, some news regarding former USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, who has kept a low profile since Lincoln Riley got hired. I hear that Harrell is a candidate to become offensive coordinator at Florida Atlantic, the former home of Lane Kiffin. Florida Atlantic hired Chip Lindsey as its offensive coordinator in mid-December but last week he became offensive coordinator at Central Florida. Florida Atlantic sounds … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A Graham Harrell Update

Terrell Bynum, a former St. John Bosco wide receiver, who played at Washington the past three seasons is transferring to USC. Bynum was Pac-12 honorable mention last season and caught 26 passes for 436 yards and four TDs. I wouldn’t call this a game-changer. But USC lost Drake London and the never-used K.D. Nixon. Plus who knows what’s up with Bru McCoy? Oh, and Joseph … Continue reading USC Lands Transfer Portal Receiver

Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams announced today he was entering the transfer portal but did not announce a destination. I wrote a month ago that there was a lot of talk inside the McKay Center that Williams was transferring to USC. For what it's worth, there continues to be talk originating from #USC regarding Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams transferring — InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) December 2, 2021 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js … Continue reading Caleb Williams Enters Transfer Portal

WINNERS Amon-Ra St. Brown He is the only rookie wide receiver in NFL history to produce a game with at least 7 receptions, 100 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD, 20 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD. Kiel McDonald The Utah running backs coaches the Rose Bowl on Sunday and then gets hired at USC. DeMar DeRozan First NBA player to hit game-winning shots in consecutive … Continue reading USC Winners And Losers Of The Week

Former USC tailback Anthony Davis, who was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame on Thursday, was a no-show at the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl on Saturday. The other inductees, Michigan linebacker Ron Simpkins and former Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany, rode in a car at the parade and were on the field for introductions during the Ohio State-Utah game. I’m told Davis … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: A Lot Of New Year’s Day Notes

With the Rose Bowl today, it’s appropriate to remember USC fullback Sam Cunningham, who died in September at age 71. Cunningham scored a record four touchdowns on goal-line TD dives against Ohio State in the 1973 Rose Bowl and was named the game’s MVP. He earned All-American honors in 1972 and was captain of the undefeated national championship team that was considered by many to … Continue reading Remembering Sam Cunningham

New USC defensive line coach Jamar Cain has been hired by LSU. He is the second coach to leave USC before really starting, joining running backs coach Tashard Choice, who went to Texas. What does it all mean? USC might be paying Lincoln Riley top dollar but it is getting outbid for assistant coaches by the college football superpowers. It will be interesting to see … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Another Assistant Leaves Who Didn’t Really Start

If you were a USC fan old enough to follow the Trojans in the 1950’s, you remember kicker Sam Tsagalakis, who died Jan. 2 at age 88. He was nicked “Sad Sam” because he rarely smiled but he was the hero of USC’s victory over Stanford in 1953. With 13 seconds left, Tsagalakis kicked a 38-yard-field goal to give the No. 17-ranked Trojans a 23-20 victory … Continue reading Remembering Sam Tsagalakis

How much did USC lose in football revenue by keeping Clay Helton? It’s a question that leads to speculation but you can put a dollar figure on it. I hear USC estimates it lost $24 million in football revenue because of poor ticket sales, concessions, parking, etc. Was that worth keeping Helton around too long? I hear UCLA coach Chip Kelly wants a big, new … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Colorado has hired former USC defensive line coach Vic So’oto for a similar position with the Buffaloes. Colorado defensive coordinator Chris Wilson is also a former USC defensive line coach under Steve Sarkisian. I love going to Colorado for games but the program is such an enigma. Cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin just went to Oregon and now the Buffaloes’ have a corner (Christian Gonzalez) and … Continue reading Vic So’oto Gets New Job