USC suffered a recruiting loss today when four-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn of McKinney, Texas, committed to Ohio State. Of course it will be blamed on NIL. Pettijohn was a top priority for USC, however, and the Trojans went hard after him. He is rated the 31st-best player in the nation. He is the third linebacker this week to spurn USC. Ohio State currently has the … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: Yet Another Linebacker Spurns USC

There is a drumbeat of comments from some USC fans about NIL every time a recruit commits elsewhere. I already said the athletic dept. has a major challenge because USC fans do not donate like rabid SEC fans. This is just a fact. But here is the other thing: If NIL is so important, why doesn’t USC focus its money on that instead of trying … Continue reading If USC Wants To Solve NLI Issue, Here’s One Way

Oregon received a commitment from its highest-rated recruit ever per the 247Sports composite rankings, when wide receiver Dakorien Moore of Duncanville, Texas, committed yesterday. Let’s see if the Ducks can do something even more impressive: Get Moore to honor his commitment. In those days, it was legal for the Lions to fly out to Los Angeles and meet with Ane before he decided to go … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

In the notes below, there’s a trend. Two linebacker recruits have chosen Texas A&M over USC this week while a Trojan catcher has committed to A&M. Continue reading USC Notes: Texas A&M Becoming Rival

First, some news. I hear USC president Carol Folt recently received a one-year contract extension. Why so short? My suspicion is after the recent debacle involving the cancellation of the main graduation ceremony and handling of student protests, the Board of Trustees took a conservative approach on granting an extension. USC needs multiple elite prospects. Not one. Although it doesn’t even have one right now. … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: When Does Line Catch Up?

Elijah Vaikona, a three-star offensive lineman from Santa Margarita High School, committed to USC over UCLA and Washington. At some point, USC needs five-star linemen. USC is the leader for four-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn of McKinney, Texas. He will announce July 6. “Simpson’s inclusion seemingly caught many in the audience off guard, and left them unsure how to respond after his face popped up on … Continue reading USC Notes: Three-Star Lineman Commits