15 years since NCAA sanctions were issued against USC and Reggie Bush

On June 10, 2010, the NCAA sought to make an example out of USC. Their guilty-before-proven-innocent approach was intended to purposely set the Trojans back. To a large degree, they achieved that aim.

The reduction of scholarships and postseason ban at the time was a part of it. Arguably worse, the manner in which the institution dragged the USC name and university through the mud is something that they knew would never be able to be washed away completely ever again.

Thank goodness for the efforts of Reggie Bush and his team. The Heisman Trophy has been restored, and the last legs that forced the Trojans to vacate their wins from that time are starting to completely collapse.

What this should show, particularly after seeing how other schools have unquestionably been caught cheating, is how afraid the rest of college football is when USC is allowed to operate at full capacity.

The flimsy evidence and lack of an actual investigation resulted in something that greatly hampered the Trojans' ability to field a competitive product. Now, 15 years removed from that day, fans are starting to see just how well-oiled and powerful the Trojan operation can be. And it frightens people.

Since debunked, the impact and lack of others standing up for USC when hit by the erroneous punishment should illustrate the measures other schools are willing to go to or stand by and observe in order to keep the Trojans out of the contention picture.

A new era for USC in current NCAA landscape

Fortunately, with the latest NCAA House ruling, there is a new day in college sports, and the new rules greatly benefit how USC goes about its business. Considering what is allowed in 2025, football has come a long way from when Bush was in the Cardinal and Gold.

His devotion to the school then and his continued fight for justice now need to continue to serve as inspiration for the current and future Trojans. 

NIL and direct school involvement are entirely permissible under the new guidelines. USC will once again set itself apart in the CFB world. They need to do so unabashedly and without any remorse. Payback for what happened over a decade ago will be sweet to enjoy.