When Lincoln Riley talks, who listens? Do his players? USC has players leaving for the transfer portal and defensive end DJ Peevy was the latest Tuesday. Players leave for different reasons: Playing time, NIL, a featured role, etc. But would USC have so many defections if players believed in their coach? Whatever else is going on, it’s hard to believe the players have faith in … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Would USC Have Less Transfers With More Leadership?

The hits just keep coming. Duce Robinson is set to enter the transfer portal per Matt Zenitz. Do you blame him? I keep asking if the wide receivers got developed by Lincoln Riley? Robinson only caught seven more passes this season than his underutilized freshman season. Why return to that to be part of a program that is stagnant under Riley? Continue reading Duce Robinson To Enter Transfer Portal

UCLA is targeting Fresno State defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, per Pete Thamel. Franklin was an assistant coach at USC under Pete Carroll. Texas A&M opened as a 2-point favorite over USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, according to Circa Sports. Hard to bet until you know who is on the team or playing. USC has offered Arizona transfer offensive lineman Wendell Moe and two … Continue reading USC Notes: UCLA Targets Ex-Pete Carroll Assistant

Sources tell me that USC athletic director Jen Cohen recently showed interest in the South Carolina job. Now why would someone at USC be interested in South Carolina? The same sources said there is a feeling of being trapped at USC by Lincoln Riley’s contract, which prohibits the A.D. from doing anything meaningful. It is also worth noting that Carol Folt — who hired Cohen … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Traps Everyone

Quinten Joyner, who was expected to be the starting tailback next season, has entered the transfer portal. He rushed for 478 yards and 3 touchdowns. Is this due to NIL? Perhaps. But it can’t have escaped Joyner’s attention that USC’s offense barely ran the ball 40 percent of the time and if you take away sacks the Trojans ran the ball 38 percent of the … Continue reading Tailback Quentin Joyner Enters Transfer Portal

With Oregon ranked No. 1, it’s often noted that the Ducks are far ahead of other programs (like USC) when it comes to NIL. I’m not disputing that. But does anyone ever acknowledge the gulf that exists in intensity between Dan Lanning and Lincoln Riley? The simple truth is Lanning has outhustled Riley the past three years. He recruits harder than Riley, especially in Southern … Continue reading Morning Buzz: There’s A Gulf Between USC And Oregon And It’s Not Just NIL