Critics cannot have it both ways when it comes to USC recruiting

It seems when many discuss USC football that they operate from the assumption that the unjustified sanctions were supposed to handcuff the Trojans until the end of time. All of college football operates in a sport that allows for players to find avenues to be compensated.

Outsiders had their fun when USC was not doing well. Recent history is not destiny, however. The program is unquestionably heading in the right direction. Even that may not be the right way to look at it. Instead, after being derailed by the unfounded NCAA sanctions, the program took what was a predictable step back.

Yes, certain decisions by the Trojans themselves did not help. To pretend that a significant artificial barrier was not placed in the way of USC is being disingenuous. Now, instead of saying that the program is on the rise, it is more simply returning to what it had always been.

This is manifesting most noticeably in recruiting. While the staff would have worked this part regardless, the hire of GM Chad Bowden in particular has helped in this department.

The transfer portal, as it is for all programs, is still an option to add talent. USC is making a concerted effort to double down at the high school levels and build something that excites the top players in the country to want to wear the Cardinal and Gold for the entirety of their college career.

Naturally, opposing fan bases are electing to ignore these undertakings and are choosing ignorance. Claims range from the recruiting classes inevitably falling apart to this uptick only being attributed to the money.

Far from telling the whole USC story

Of course the collectives that back the Trojan program have the means to compete with the highest bidders throughout the nation. That is part of what actually being one of the best universities in the world means and comes with.

Pretending that that is the only reason for the number one classes in 2026 and 2027 shows the lengths others are willing to go to in order to dismiss USC.