Inside the Trojans' Huddle: Two huge USC decommitments and another big recruiting weekend

On this episode of Inside the Trojans' Huddle, the WeAreSC panel discusses the two gigantic five-star defensive line decommitments and what that means for Lincoln Riley and the USC program. They talk another major upcoming recruiting weekend. And they play Arledge's Ten Questions.
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[@albertlin7133]

Lincoln Riley took a Bob Stoops team that was ready made and turned it into a perennial playoff contender at Oklahoma. Asking him to build from the ground up at USC, which has its own natural challenges is asking him to do something he’s never done.

[@sector783]

Riley would’ve been in the playoffs his first year at SC had he not brought his buddy (Grinch) along. How do you bring the same defensive coordinator and defense that was a proven failure at OU for so many years to your new job at USC?? That has been Riley’s biggest mistake so far. Still baffles me..

[@OkiePokeMart]

@@sector783 I agree with you. He did bring a bunch of players with him most notably Caleb Williams. It wasn’t bc he recruited well at USC. He has got to start keeping California kids in California for USC to have a shot.

[@sector783]

@@OkiePokeMart absolutely! 💯

[@DedHedRy]

Oklahoma was already a perennial playoff caliber team before Riley got there. Let’s not act like LR is the one that turned them into that. Did his offenses give us a huge shoot in the arm at the time he came in? Yes but you are not familiar with OU football much because the truth of the matter is each year LR was HC the program took two steps back while appearing to take one stop forward. Once Bob S left so did the foundation that OU football has been built on for 100 years. LR took a roadmap that was laying in front of him, crumbled it up and threw it in the trash. All flash, no substance. That’s LR and anyone who thinks he “built” anything at OU from a program perspective, other than historical offenses, doesn’t know a lot about recent Oklahoma football. OU fans were tired of watching the same thing game after game, season after season of the same unbalanced football team. A putrid defense with a soft identity that the country laughed at, yet a perennially high powered offense year in and year out, that were so good people chose to ignore the facts that the program as a whole was slowly deteriorating . Thinking he could take a struggling program like USC to new heights when he couldn’t even keep a powerhouse going like Oklahoma, was ignoring the facts that were right in front of the decision makers but the perennial offenses of LR we’re just too attractive to trust the facts and make you believe in the possible. The problem with possible is wishful thinking without substance to back it up and Riley was showing no signs of building anything sustainable. Why do you think Joe C, AD at OU, said no to most of Riley’s requests? Because it was obvious he still had a lot to prove before the powers that be put all of their weight and efforts behind him. So what do you do? You take advantage of the momentum your name and reputation has. He did that and from a short term and long term perspective financially it was a good decision. Football wise? What has he accomplished at SC that he wasn’t at OU? He was accomplishing much more at OU than he has come close to at SC yet he moves from a great situation handed to him to a program that hadn’t had any kind of real success in over a decade? Does that make any sense other than for financial gain? Other than running from what was slowly being exposed? No it does not and any SC fan who thinks SC’s program historically, is on the same level as OU, especially in the modern era just has an inflated opinion on what is reality. OU’s program was and had been in a different stratosphere than SC for a long time and even in SC’s most recent heyday, OU was still a top 5 program in USC’s best years. LR making that change had nothing to do with leaving one program and opportunity football wise, for a better opportunity from a football aspect at USC. No one with a level head could actually think that was the case. If you look at the great teams recently they are still getting the great players and Oklahoma is included in that. I see SC fans listing Texas all of the time as some perennial program while ignoring the program that has dominated and beat Texas once again this last year in Oklahoma because it hurts mentioning Oklahoma in that same breath. The two programs and how they have changed in the last 2 years is not even comparable. While BV has completely rebuilt our program from the ground up all LR did was take his weak ass, soft ass coaching style from one school to the next that doesn’t look any different. He had a clean slate to work from. He could have begun by making major wholesale changes from the get go that would have put USC in a better place to be where SC fans expected the program to be. Instead it’s the same product with a change on the defensive side of things as if that is some automatic recipe for success. When you look at how much BV has changed within OU’s program and not just building up a top 25 soon to be top 10-15 defense, he has also continued to put out a top 5 offense. What has Riley done that looks remotely close to that accomplishment? Same offense, same defense. Great skill players, lack of line players. Same opportunities with built in advantages at SC that 99% of coaches in the country would die for yet LR has a beautiful way of making excuses smell like roses and getting fans buy the it.

[@michaelelliott9021]

We suck! 😢 😔

[@mikem4864]

Chris is not worried about losing his press pass. 😂😂

[@halfbreed7208]

Wow, somebody speaking the LOL 🤣🤣🤣🤣🗡️✌🏽

[@Sportsgeek1991]

I respect Chris for always speaking facts

[@hrpickinstuff]

Does he have one now? Does Chris even live in California?

[@Sportsgeek1991]

@@hrpickinstuff he's a lawyer and writes a column about USC and no he doesn't live in California

[@mikem4864]

@@hrpickinstuff #lowblow2024 #shotsfired

[@Trojan_in_Hawaii]

Great show, guys…thank you! Chris could not be more right about what other schools are telling recruits, and about LR focusing on the wrong recruiting geography!

[@brentoniverson1020]

Chris Arledge is speaking facts and has been for the last 2 years. I've been saying this for the last 2 years about Riley and yes Riley is narrow minded for putting this defensive coaching staff knowing they'll be gone in a year or 2. 💥🔥💥🔥💥🔥

[@kamala80]

If USC's defense is improved, Lincoln can go out and get adequate replacements for coaches who leave.

[@brentoniverson1020]

@@kamala80 True

[@petergaynes9201]

So SC threw next season away by not signing portal d-lineman because they needed to keep the 2025 class together, which they can't do either. Got it.

[@Sportsgeek1991]

Dam that hit hard smh

[@DreDay53]

Supposedly Lincoln didn’t want to pay for the big boys in the portal which you’re right it screws this team over by forcing the freshmen to play early which will make the defense a work in progress

[@brianjacob8728]

Riley s too stupid to realize uga was gonna poney up whatever it took to flip these guys back. Go back to muleshoe.

[@sector783]

@@DreDay53 But Riley is not the man that writes the checks, brother. The NIL collectives and boosters have the final say in who gets paid and who doesn’t. Having said that, what SC needs to do is get rid of these lousy greedy collectives the same way they got rid of Grinch.

[@mxl_reps_951]

​@@Sportsgeek1991just say ur a USC fan

[@soota6083]

They really should have paid what it took and even overpaid with their NIL for these recruits. The timing of moving to the big10, hiring new defensive coaches, and Riley on the cusp of being known as an offensive coach only, necessitated that USC get the top DL recruits to show all the other recruits this is a defensive destination too. If USC could have made a splash with their defense this year, it would have snowballed all future recruits. This was the moment.

[@racerx192]

The entire NCAA is laughing at us😢

[@racerx192]

Is Julian next? I’m freaking out!

[@DreDay53]

@@racerx192 from what it sounds like some of the collectors that USC or afraid they don’t have enough money to pay for him so if they can’t figure out the problem yes he’s going to decommit and go somewhere else

[@Sportsgeek1991]

We've been a laughing stock for too long smh Riley was supposed to change that

[@timdrury9040]

@@DreDay53I think that’s part of the reason that GA basically gave up on him, he just keeps looking around for the next bigger big deal and didn’t even want another QB on the team in the same class as him. GA wasn’t going to take a chance of not having at least one 2025 QB and they rather pay other guys who have already contributed to the team than a rookie who probably doesn’t even play the first couple of years. Auburn is probably the biggest competition to USC to land him now.

[@michaelelliott9021]

I agree with Chris. Lincoln does not know what he is doing. Plus he is afraid of marquee matchups that if played well would ascend the program. Instead, he is coming off as a scary little punk.

[@TheBenzwanger]

All those blowouts when you was at Oklahoma in the playoffs is giving them PTSD lol. But that's how he builds his teams he builds them to win easy conferences but then when faced against an SEC or top Big 10 team And he gets absolutely murdered on national television. He's just a soft coach and it reflects upon the team. His teams get absolutely manhandled every time they step in front of a top 10 team.

[@joeboyd1547]

USC needs to fix their NIL. This is not acceptable losing 5 star defensive lineman.

[@Sportsgeek1991]

It's reality

[@DreDay53]

This will be reality until USC wants to start using there nil money on players and then also our head coach needs to not be afraid to spend a lot of money on guys in the trenches, which is why USC didn’t try and sign anyone in the last transfer portal window🤦🏿‍♂️

[@talon310calif]

As fans we can help by chipping in $$$

[@kennethmccullough1342]

@@DreDay53 You can’t spend what you don’t have. Riley can’t “spend” on DL if he isn’t getting the money from the NIL, if NIL is making promises they aren’t coming through on.

[@TrojansFirst]

I'm starting to think USC let them go. Not enough money in the collective to sign four 5 star DL. So USC can only sign two 5 star DL and that will be Elijah Griffin and Jahkeem Stewart.

[@brentoniverson1020]

Riley's stubbornness has gotten us to this point. The 2024 DL interior will get tested to the max every weekend

[@mikehappy2620]

That interior better be 5 deep. There are going to be a lot of players carried off the field.

[@brentoniverson1020]

@@mikehappy2620 I think we're 5 deep with 2-3 of them incoming untested freshmen.

[@danberman6848]

This is not surprising. Recruiting requirements- 1) SC education, alumni tradition 2) Develope 3) Winning 4) Nil - pay to play - Without the four you won’t keep players . These recruitments are meaningless if they don’t sign . The rest is just unjustified excitement content . Riley should have demanded NIL money for DL 2024 to start the winning mark and then 2025. This will be a merry go round and until they build a winning 9 plus season and pay the players , the team will do nothing .

[@lynnberryessa8153]

Loved Riggin…..loved Friday Night Lights!

[@tonywlaschin7842]

Great debate boys

[@Sportsgeek1991]

They keep it real and i respect it. Too many sunshine pumpers everywhere.

[@fredtheveteran4623]

This weekend our coaches are going to do a great job recruiting but what happens when they go to the NIL department and they promise these guys the world and then give them NOTHING just like they did Gibson and Terry?

[@fredtheveteran4623]

Our Program is in Trouble!

[@sophomoresznsports]

CHRIS SPOKE STRAIGHT FAAAACCCTTTSSSS

[@Sportsgeek1991]

Always does

[@timdrury9040]

Chris gets all of the angles at play.

[@PhilTParker]

Here goes the new episode. I know it will be a great one. By the way I am hearing that NIL was a big issue for these prospects. Apparently there was a problem with promises that were made, but the money was not forthcoming afterwards. This could be a big problem for USC going forwards. Another point by Chris: If Lincoln Riley isn’t able to field a defense that is in the top third of the BIG this year, then “he’s done”, as in his reputation as a coach who can create great offenses is there, but he just can’t field a good defense. Hence, Riley will never be seen as a true elite coach, able to field offenses and defenses in enough of an equal way that his teams will be able to win championships. In my analysis, Chris is spot on. This season is Riley’s chance to cement himself as either an elite head coach, or only a person capable of being an elite offensive coordinator in effect.

[@lawrencesmith9059]

You said you heard it was NIL related, but then blame Riley.

[@PhilTParker]

Really just exploring what the comments by our hosts were. I believe that Riley made an incredibly good decision with the defensive coaching hires. And I think the impacts will be positive.

[@WAHollier54]

Bro started out with “I heard…” Really man? Chances were low that these two guys were going to stick. Coming from Georgia to LA and the got stary eyed! Riley will fix this.

[@johnwhite2576]

Agree-he missed his chance keeping grinch on..

[@johnwhite2576]

10-1 they lose Stubbs.

[@brentoniverson1020]

2004 USC Championship Roster 80+players total....57+players from California.

[@tinyfalcon1185]

and not alot of bitch ass mater dei and other private schools, we had Dorsey, Crenshaw, Locke, Compton all over the roster

[@ericjam21]

The talent pool in Cali is not the same. No 5 stars at any position this year. That's unheard of...

[@brentoniverson1020]

@@ericjam21 It aint all about the 5🌟's. I checked the last 6 years and we weren't as bad as some KZbinr's would have you think. Plenty of solid 4🌟's Lincoln missing out in due to his stubbornness and history.

[@stevenross3600]

There is a lot of complexity to the issue, when Riley was hired my first thought was that they hired a real coach instead of the last decade & half of incompetence and my second was his defensive track record. Other factors are certainly NIL and that previous track record 'branding' SC as not playing D. Recruiting, which has eroded with the under performance and other teams stealing SoCal talent plus the high risk/reward recruiting the staff is engaging (which they don't have the NIL or record for). They have to show significant improvement on D this year and at least 9 wins to pull in a top 10 class this year. I do believe the D staff is a huge step forward and that it will improve but will it be enough with the current roster? And there are still questions on the offensive side, especially with the line, that could derail the season.

[@ivanp2490]

As a USC fan who's been behind them even through the rough years, I'm calling out USC fans. Our fanbase needs to show up and make it an atmosphere. We about to go into major big 10 atmospheres so we have to defend our home field.

[@Adones09]

The SC roster should have, at least, 70% from California. It's sad when we play against other teams, the opponents Cali players are sticking it to SC. There ARE Cali players.

[@dariusp257]

If you have the coaching staff that you think you do, why not get all the 4 star California guys and develop them into 5 stars? Utah won the PAC 12 twice with a bunch of 3 stars. Why? Because their coach is elite. The man can coach. So if you have all world coaches, why are you going out and chasing kids that are to good for you? that is the pride that is keeping USC from being good. They have good coaches, they need to settle for good 4 star players in California, Texas, Florida, etc and develop them to 5 star players and then after several years of success, those 5 star players will line up to play for SC again. Don't let your pride keep getting in the way SC.

[@Sportsgeek1991]

Bingo

[@OkiePokeMart]

Ya know with Leech passed on and Stoops at Oklahoma who does Riley have to mentor him now? His ego may be too big and that may be the problem.

[@stevenross3600]

Erik nailed it on the schedule issue and in he context the way other schools have gamed the system, our schedule is difficult. I take pride in the fact that SC is 1 of only 2 FBS schools to never have played a FCS team.

[@tinyfalcon1185]

thats cause the only cali recruits he target is mater dei and bosco, they are hidden gems at Dorsey, Crenshaw, Locke, Jordan. etc

[@pedropagan4227]

We need to throw $$$$$$ in there.

[@dboywestcoastuncensored.3481]

Yes exactly Cali is a after thought ,but let's do not kid ourselves it's nil they want bags now if someone gives one or if usc does not keep his promises to recruits there gone.

[@Jomari702]

The brotherhood of Cali ball plays a big part.

[@citizenxinsights359]

Bro, Blue chip talent plays a bigger part. Cali only got ONE class of ‘25 DL prospect w/a Blue Chip rating according to 247 Sports.

[@sctrojan2006]

CLR remembers the brand of USC that CPC rebuilt, but he fails to recognize how CPC did it. CPC built a fence around the local high schools and recruited the heck out of them. Yes, CPC went after select out-of-state guys, but most of his roster consisted of local players.

[@mxl_reps_951]

This aint the 2000's

[@oomagooma1107]

One of the best discussions of USC Recruiting. Chris Arledge is so spot on in his analyses, it is sickening. You must assume that the opposing schools are exploiting every weakness or potential weakness that USC has. Past performance, offense-only mindset, new defensive coaching staff as a band aid, over-reaching nationwide, lack of NIL commitment, etc.. “To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.” ― Sun Tzu

[@BicycleRestorationMan]

Ok, here’s my conspiracy theory. Kirby Smart told those two de-commits to commit to USC. Then had them de-commit to take more money away from USC’s fund AND to gut punch them to make them look bad as well. 👍👊

[@sonofrobert]

Lol, you think Kirby is at all concerned with USC. This isn't the Carrol days when you had a strong team.

[@BicycleRestorationMan]

@@sonofrobert is was meant for you to Lol. 😂

[@sonofrobert]

@@BicycleRestorationMan Go Ducks!

[@jesseknwsball]

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE COACHING STAFF.. USCs COLLECTIVES AREN’T SHOWING THESE KIDS ANY TYPE OF MONEY THEY’RE BEING PROMISED. THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE NOT PAYING PLAYERS THEY JUST WON’T. YOU THINK THESE LOCALS AREN’T GOING TO CHASE THE MONEY EITHER?? YOU’RE NOT THINKING

[@hrpickinstuff]

How do you know that USC J told you? Didn't he just do a video and said USC will sign one of the best DL classes in usc history? Maybe it's both. The bag and just wanting to be home or play for a championship contender. It's not always 100% about the bag.

[@OkiePokeMart]

It has everything to do with the coaches and making promises their collective couldn’t keep. Or allowing the collective to make promises they cant keep. If not that it’s definitely Riley recruiting strategy. He isn’t even offering some great Cali kids. His strategy of taking the top 5 kids in Georgia isn’t working out so well, = coaches fault.

[@jesseknwsball]

@@OkiePokeMart Do yourself a favor and educate yourself, you are beyond lost. I didnt know Lincoln ran the collectives. He should’ve pulled the brink truck out from his garage I guess! You think these kids woke up one morning and decided coach Henny wasn’t the right coach for them?? Why would they commit in the first place? Has nothing to do with them being from Georgia. You show the money they come. Lincoln was told they would be shown the money, the moneys not there but I guess that’s Lincoln fault for trusting the collective?? Right lol

[@jesseknwsball]

@@OkiePokeMart name me one “ GREAT “ cali kid Riley hasn’t offered in the class of 2025, I’ll wait. California has ONE 5 * in ‘25. Not a single DL in the top 200.

[@jesseknwsball]

@@hrpickinstuff kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZO0m52qrd-Gp8Usi=z8y8d9giG-onWGw7

[@Jomari702]

USC needs to lock down Cali, Nevada, and Arizona. You can build a a great roster with those 3 states alone. Sure, take tab a few of those Keith river, Joe M players. Have to take care of the west coast first.

[@citizenxinsights359]

? DL CLASS OF ‘25 FACTS: #5⭐️s = 4, #4⭐️s = 21. # from the West (excluding TX) = 1 ( N. CAL, OR commit). West Coast lacks blue chip DL prospects.

[@Jomari702]

@@citizenxinsights359 I understand what you’re saying, at the same time if USC can lock down the best talent on the west coach, those 5 stars from talent states will take notice and wanna come play for SC.

[@citizenxinsights359]

Peace. Surprising Fact=> Class of ‘25 tally (All Positions): #5⭐️s =33, # from CA = 1 ( TAMU commit). Who knew?😲

[@SuperJuggerNog]

Oregon will continue to pluck talent from California, you will never get to locking down California anymore. You get what you get, while other programs pick and choose who they want from cali 😂

[@Sportsgeek1991]

Oregon owns west Coast recruiting though

[@wcfenderson5609]

Back to the transfer portal for 2025. 😅 USC is on “Prove It” mode (On the field); Like Missouri, “Show Me”.

[@kennethmccullough1342]

Way too many people confusing ‘recruiting’ with NIL. The staff IS recruiting. They are doing their jobs. They are getting these kids on campus, they are getting commitments! But the commitments won’t stick with NIL not coming through the way they said it would. That’s not on the coaching staff.

[@Sportsgeek1991]

The staff is being failed by the Nil , Riley won't deal with this for much longer.

[@RidgeRider88]

Kenneth ~ Excellent post.

[@BYUtrojan]

Bottom line is the current defensive coaching staff needs to take existing three and four star kids and make them look like five star kids on the field this season. With that, the five star kids will show up and get developed to play like NFL players in college.

[@blue_diamond_gem]

Riley took over an elite Oklahoma team that peaked in an overtime game to Georgia in the playoffs. That same OU program gradually slid off until he left. Riley will always be one game away.

[@SteveTherien]

One other thing. The first 30 minutes of this show were the best you’ve done. Keep on keeping it real gents! This is USC for crying out loud.

[@hrpickinstuff]

Marc is correct: 1. People are trying to get out of California not move there. 2. On a 1 million NIL deal right off the bat you're gonna give 110k to the state 13.3% and 40% to the feds. So you will take home half. How significant is that? 100k is a big down payment on a home in most states (maybe not California). If you do this same NIL deal in Florida, Texas, or Tennessee (no state income tax) You can take that 100k and use it to buy property a 400k home in Texas is gonna be a nice investment if you put 100k down and keep your mortgage payment manageable. Why surrender this opportunity to the State to play football? 3. IMHO the living conditions in the State are eroding. So much so I myself packed up my family and my business and left the state this year. I was born and raised in California. It is not the same State I once loved and if anyone asks me if they should move there. I would advise them against it. In fact my last day in California someone stole some parts off my car. Two weeks before my neighbor had all 4 tires and rims stolen off his car. They left it on bricks. We live in a nice community with a $300 HOA. I can tell you when they say stupid things like Crime is down its bogus because people dont even bother reporting stuff anymore. I didn't. I love where I'm at now and never going back.

[@Thankyou423.3]

NIL has ruined cfb and it’s only gonna get worse. Get ready

[@Thankyou423.3]

@@DreDay53 how did it even the playing field? 😂 now less teams will have the 20 mill cap to spend. What a comment 😂😂😂

[@52mrbryant]

Exactly!! THEY BETTER GET PARAMATERS AROUND NIL NOW!! These 2 kids are a YEAR OUT & decommit because of MONEY??? WTF

[@thornslow]

Unless it's usc right? 😂

[@DreDay53]

@@Thankyou423.3it won’t matter about that starting next year every school can pay the kids which is another way of the NCAA trying to make it fair since teams like WSU Oregon State Bosie etc won’t be able to get as much money for their NIL like the elite programs.

[@DreDay53]

@@Thankyou423.3 my bad I meant to say/add starting next year it should be more even since the ncaa is allowing schools to pay the athletes as employees

[@northwestprof60]

it's about the money now

[@FisherzOfMen]

GA fan here and i think these kids are commiting early to the highest bidder to set the bar and give them leverage. Just so happens to be USC is usually the highest bidder.

[@sophomoresznsports]

I’m beginning to think Lincoln Riley is not the guy…..Unfortunately.

[@DreDay53]

I’ve been thinking that as well which sucks it’s starting to look like USC should have took a chance on Dan Lanning instead of Lincoln 🤦🏿‍♂️ I hope he gets it turned around but right now it’s looking like his best roster was his first year‘s roster and it’s just getting worse and worse

[@SportZFan4L1fe]

He wasn't the guy at Oklahoma and USC went and got him. 😂

[@TrojansFirst]

USC hasn't proved it can recruit top 5 classes in the NIL era. We thought they might do it this year but looking like it wont happen at this point.. USC looks like a 10-15 recruiting school in this new NIL era..

[@TempeLane11552]

Chris finally seeing the light. This guy is an offensive coordinator who is in over his head.

[@johnavalos4097]

Good luck with Julian Lewis staying committed!

[@5555emerson]

Florida St. got jumped by Alabama last season.. Marc these physical games take a trick in toll.

[@mikepasterick3210]

The opportunity cost is enormous

[@whousefilms]

I think USC needs to schedule LSU so they can have a chance in the CFP. I don't it's enough to just play their schedule and expect to be roll in CFP like Alabama. The only reason why TCU got in is because they ran the table undefeated.

[@frankarambula8706]

Shit happens, we fight on!

[@jjkandong9337]

Coach Riley is work in progress. He is still young in his coaching career. You are absolutely correct Chris!

[@antoniopana45]

Sad part is that it's costing USC 10 Mil plus to see if he will workout.

[@covetpow]

I kind of lit into mark in a comment I made on Locked On USC about which team was responsible for canceling the Ol' Miss game. I regretted being so hard on him. I just don't want our guys jumping on the USC-bashing bandwagon. After hearing all your opinions on the matter, I feel vindicated. I'm glad you guys covered this subject. I'm glad Eric brought up what I had heard. It wasn't all about USC ducking tough games. LSU and the rest of the SEC is finally going to nine conference games. It's about time. This levels the playing field with the BIG 10. The changing landscape of college football has everyone rethinking their approach to scheduling. Thanks for being my favorite show on KZbin. I love you guys.

[@nupe865]

The SEC is NOT going to 9 games. That would be stupid, your conferences suck.

[@sonofrobert]

Be happy, you're not going to lose to Oregon, on the field this year.

[@scottdaloisio3392]

Chris, Urban Meyer hired ed Warriner as OC after Tom Herman left and kept him on staff as OC for two years lmao

[@adamgross8817]

I'm not a Jackass... I'm a wolf... well done Kulkin. Been listening to this show for years, this is easily a top two most memorable line ever. The guys nailed it. Recruiting losses this week are absolutely gut punches. They are going to have to prove it on the field this season. We need to land a defensive line bellcow ala Shaun Cody. Hopefully its a guy like Stewart or possibly Griffin, but honestly those feel like pipe dreams at this point. Fight on everyone!

[@antoniopana45]

Dont worry Chris nothing you said was wrong✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽

[@johnoviedo6731]

I live in Georgia and as a Georgia fan. I knew it was just a matter of time before Gibson and Terry would decommit from USC. Geographic is not easy to get a young man From Georgia to move to California. Also Georgia having everything it has to provide a recruit with development,Great coaches and Championships to show for. Not sure many young man believe in Lincoln Riley. His more or a fools gold character to lots of fan bases.

[@lynnberryessa8153]

I think they used SC to raise their price

[@halfbreed7208]

Sorry brother sounds good but that’s not what happened wake up and don’t be walking around lost our school is not perfect Don’t worry you’ll wake up just like a lot of people have

[@FisherzOfMen]

Exactly. GA fan here and i think these kids are commiting early to the highest bidder to set the bar and give them leverage. Just so happens to be USC is usually the highest bidder.

[@SportZFan4L1fe]

This is what happens when USC DOESN'T lock down Top California recruits like Pete Carroll use to do. It becomes a joke of a program. 😂

[@dariusp257]

I think a good reason why some schools are dumbing down their schedules is because they feel that to many big games can be detrimental to the health of their teams when now you have several additional games that are being added on to a football season. I would think that if you know you are going to have to go to the playoffs and play two more games per year than usual, why would you want to play a bunch of top ten teams during the year? You need to have at least 2-3 less physical games in the schedule so you can give your guys a chance to make it to the end of the year and compete in the playoffs healthy. I don't think its a win/loss issue. Why fool yourself and think you are going to win in the playoffs if you got there beating cupcakes. No good coach will take that route.

[@OspTheOG]

If juju leaves or if usc loses to lsu man it might all fall apart.

[@Sportsgeek1991]

Of juju leaves Riley is gone

[@mitchlemons8379]

Bought a Pinto. Give him a raise. Meanwhile we'll keep recruiting California kids Ha so funny.

[@timdrury9040]

LR trying to fast track to a championship just back fired.

[@rwrae72]

In the new era of NIL, does offering the "SC education and alumni network" matter to most/any of these recruits?

[@touie1404]

We just gotta win in the playoffs and they will come!!✌️✌️

[@Sportsgeek1991]

Need talent to do that

[@ronniegonzales6796]

Ok Coach Chris, what's the god damn answer? What would you do that Riley hasn't tried?

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

This is Not a Coaching Staff or Student Athlete issue; It's an USC Administration issue 💰💸💰. I don't like where CFB🏈 has evolved to, this is where we are. Put a CAP on the 💸💰 money amongst the Universities.I agree with Mark👍💯

[@TheBenzwanger]

Lincoln for some reason has always ignored in state kids wherever he goes. He completely ruined the Oklahoma High School recruiting scene until back up and repaired all the relationships. I didn't think he'd be dumb enough to do it in California but here we are.....

[@certifizel1]

This is not on lincoln riley this is on the nil collective not keeping their word with what they give commits

[@rometv2642]

I’ve been gone for a while What Happened to Greg Katz?

[@49erLA]

Yall need to wake up and see this for what it is.. ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY 💰💰.. This kids aren't decommitting on records or coaching staffs. They are going for the Most NIL .. USC is failing on NIL The game has changed

[@lawrencesmith9059]

Agree that LR is making a mistake in not recruiting CA players harder, but I disagree that this says Riley is not a great coach. Chris, you are suffering from PTSD. Riley is going to have a top 3 offense and a top 20 defense and going to play for the Big 10 championship. Stop hitting the panic button, you sound like a bunch of women. Yes, Riley is being forced to evolve and improve.

[@DreDay53]

Lincoln should be demanding 13+ million for recruiting Ryan day did it at Ohio State Nick Saban said he needs 14mil to compete yearly if Lincoln doesn’t ask instead of saying “ we want the right kids who want to be here at USC“ then this program will be left behind.

[@keithrhodus3451]

the problem is not Lincoln Riley, the D coaches, talent in CA verus the South. the problem is other schools are bringing the bag and SC isn't. It's THAT simple. ask around. The players are being promised things and it's not being delivered (money)

[@kamala80]

Lanning has Tosh Lupoi with him. USC needs a recruiter like Lupoi plus a big NIL budget. Miami is signing top 5-10 classes and they have the money. USC has to get a proper NIL budget.

[@Sportsgeek1991]

That was supposed to be coach henny

[@kamala80]

@@Sportsgeek1991 Henny needs NIL support.

[@Sportsgeek1991]

@@kamala80 the school isn't supporting the athletic department tim prangley just said it on his show

[@kamala80]

@@Sportsgeek1991 If true all the coaches will leave.

[@Sportsgeek1991]

@@kamala80 unfortunately

[@AroundtheDial-rj7tp]

Recruiting kids away from SEC territory is always difficult but it's made harder when SC is comming off a dispointing season with a dreadfu defense the last 2 years. I believe in the new defense coaching staff but they need to prove it on the field. There needs to be a better vetting process before accepting verbal commitments. I would rather USC not get a commitment than get a commitment from a kid that is not serious.

[@willconn2958]

How long will SC fans use that excuse, He's a young coach. He did the exact same things at Oklahoma!!!

[@halfbreed7208]

The three of you do know the story behind both of them decommit was that they were promised a certain amount in NIL and USC basically seem like they couldn’t afford it and coach Henny and others. There’s rumbling I’m just saying my friends. I know they’re under contract this is pathetic gentleman it’s us graduated from here that’s being honest faculty coaches, gets millions of dollars and mansions. To live in Everything for years other schools are paying these young man. This is on our two women of the department, these two powers women aren’t doing the things to help this football program around. It’s simple as that . This is from a Real man of Troy 🗡️✌🏽letting the fans know the truth. I commend them on the girl power stuff they’re doing I want that, but there’s more to this university than just just girl power 💪🏽 I don’t have. to be nice so they don’t take my press pass away or because I have a Trojan podcast. I can just let it all out for real although I do be quiet about a lot of things not now. Not saying you .. three if know you , what I’m talking about. Let’s just be real. Today and tell the truth. Love you. Bros and Fight On 🗡️✌🏽

[@uscfootball4life3]

How are u guys not saying Drake London for the one on one jump ball ! No one ever stopped him

[@quinntonaustin5017]

Shit is frustrating

[@billl9160]

USC needs to recruit the best players across the country. Coaches being present at high schools, building relationships and being bold with offers will lead to great rosters in future years. I think they did well out-of-state in the 2024 class. Stop being so negative! Fight On.

[@Rockstar8953]

Theses kids was never going sign with USC at end of Day . We taught about in some cases 2500 plus miles from home . They got caught up LA hype and eventually I think they realized it and de committed It hard to pulled kids from SEC NiL isn’t sole issue SEC coaches the elite ones recruit 24/7 even after a kid committed elsewhere LR want get many kids out of GA or Alabama it just want happen

[@johnwhite2576]

Carole foot will pay up door for coaches, they were not relay to pay another million bucks for 5 star DL….the ground is moving faster than a university top academic aspiration can keep up. Eric makes. A good point. Kirby passed the hat and raised the ante…meanwhile though, usc is missing on CALI prospects ! WTH !. But serious this is ALL bout the Benjamin’s !

[@talon310calif]

If Riley recruited bunch of local kids and ended up with more 3 and less 4 and 5 star kids, critics would cry about how usc recruits itself and should be recruiting all over the country to get the best players.

[@johnavalos4097]

Chris is right about Riley! I never liked his hire from very beginning. I liked that the administration finally went and hired an experienced coach, unfortunately he was the wrong one. And here’s why. I never equated physical football with Lincoln Riley. He is and until he proves it is a finesse wussy coach!

[@allenwilliams7210]

Other people are saying the decomits are due to NIL and not because they’re from out of state. I guess we’ll never know the reason this is something L Riley will keep quiet

[@johnoviedo6731]

LSU went after Lincoln and he dint want no part of it because he knew how tough the league was gonna be so he decided to go to SC thinking his far away from real competition and 2 year's later USC joins the Big 10 and he wasbt happy about it. Also he begged LSU to cancel the game in Vegas. That would tell you alot about this guy playing possum and acting like his the second coming.

[@garrysinger9704]

USC's offensive line, led by Josh Henson, will disintegrate against Michigan's blitzing. Other Big 10 schools will play the same way and USC's offense will deteriorate like they did at the Notre Dame game last year. With another garbage OL this year, JuJu Lewis will decommit and Riley will be toast.

[@Esipula]

Undefeated FSU got jumped by a 1 loss Bama last season. Nuff Said!

[@rwrae72]

Can definitely see the "fair minded folks" on the selection committee hammering SC for ANY loss and not looking for ANY context.

[@kamala80]

Y’all should try to bring Kiffin back. That was a huge mistake firing him.

[@dariusp257]

They obviously don't think they can compete with Oregon in CA if they are going out of the state.

[@ericjam21]

There isn't any DL prospects in Cali to compete for...😢

[@dariusp257]

@@ericjam21 Yeah, CA is a bit weak this year. The only one was Matthew Johnson from De La Salle

[@blacinjin8124]

Good luck in the snow beach boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Boomer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RidgeRider88]

June is not the time for an anti-Riley rant. I turned it off before the thirty minute mark.

[@ronniegonzales6796]

Yiu guys are unreal... mark, i would love to have you say this to Jen and Lincolns faces instead of kissing their butts. It has to be a fair playing field when it comes to schedule

[@stevenross3600]

Sorry, lots of comments this week....the recruiting developments feel like the same old Helton/Sark/Kiffin/Haden/Swann/Garret dysfunction at HoV. Not happy with the state of NIL but it's the reality....we raise Billions with a B so let's get it together Cohen & Folt and fix this yesterday

[@hankmoody2345]

Love you guys, but Michigan won a Natty with virtually non of his classes ranked in the Top 10. He had good, not great talent, and developed players. He also hit the portal hard.

[@mikehappy2620]

Ok, TBOW said you can't recruit to OU. Still the last three years this rooky coach Brent Venables has spanked TBOW's ass in recruiting. Then again maybe stepping over drug addicts and the homeless on their way to practice is not so exciting.

[@SamsungSamsung-ep1mc]

The the sart of terrible DAs started with Pat Haden.. he was the worst.. Then Mikr Garrett took over he sucked, as well.. The Lynn Swann finished US off.