USC held its graduation ceremony Thursday night at the Coliseum. It was an odd atmosphere for those used to the traditional Friday morning ceremonies on campus. But Carol Folt wanted to lock down access to the event, which is easier to do at the Coliseum. This was the scene Thursday evening as students and families made their way from campus to the Coliseum. They called … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC coach Lincoln Riley was credited with a little more than $11.5 million in total compensation for the 2023 calendar year, the school’s new federal tax returns show according to USA Today. The document also showed Riley has the benefit of a housing loan that has a balance due of $3.43 million. Athletic director Jennifer Cohen was credited with “nearly $3.1 million in total compensation from … Continue reading Lincoln Riley Paid $11.5 Million In 2023

It’s almost astounding that USC is preventing recruits from visiting other schools. This is hardly an unprecedented policy. Schools have tried it in the past. But we are in an era where commitments are not just worthless, signing a letter of intent is worthless. Showing up and enrolling at a school means nothing. Signing an NIL contract means nothing. This semester, players have transferred to … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A Policy That Could Backfire

USC has lost five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, the top-rated recruit in its vaunted recruiting class. Why did he decommit? Because USC apparently has a no-visit policy and Griffin has lined up visits to Ohio State, Alabama, Texas and Florida State. This sounds like the gung-ho policy of general manager Chad Bowden. We only want recruits who want to come to USC! But in this day … Continue reading USC Loses 5-Star Recruit Thanks To Foolish Policy

You know what the main talking point was with USC in the 1970’s? Winning. When Pete Carroll was riding high, there were entertaining things going on around the program but the main talking point? Winning. And now? People brag about the No. 1-ranked recruiting class. We talk about the general manager, who talks about toilet paper. A new strength coach or assistant coaches. A new … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Football Focus Is On Everything But Championships

It wasn’t too surprising when I wrote Lincoln Riley apparently never visited Pete Carroll’s class at USC. But here is something else to consider: Jen Cohen was in Seattle for 25 years before she came to USC. Pete Carroll was in Seattle from 2010-2023. They obviously got to know each other (probably through Steve Sarkisian). One thing Carroll has always been good at is inserting … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: It Helps To Have Influential Friends