Platform of successful USC seasons is being established in 2025

It may be something of a cliché. Regardless, the reality is that teams better try their best to get a win over USC now. The ongoing offseason should indicate how much faith the Trojans have in coach Lincoln Riley, and they are giving him the latitude and full support in order to set up the program for sustained excellence.

The past seasons have not gone according to plan. It will take more than a good March-July stretch to fix some of the problems that were prevalent within the team. Improvement has to begin somewhere. There is also never going to be a quick, easy fix that can overcome shortcomings from even beyond when coach Riley arrived.

Even so, this USC is incredibly well-positioned to have a repeat of the current spring success on the recruiting trail for years to come and to have that begin to start translating to the football field in the fall.

Having the needed assurance and job security is allowing coach Riley to make amends for what he even views as early missteps. Now, however, the program philosophy and approach are those of one that aims to take the right approach regardless of anything else.

It is this newfound commitment and willingness to maybe sacrifice in the immediate, short term that will ultimately bring success for USC.

Many USC fans looking for more immediate results

For some, speaking in the future is too tiresome at this point. There is a realistic shot of the Trojans being able to push for a nine-plus win season in 2025 and then head to a bowl game. The efforts, including on the offensive and defensive lines, are elements that can begin to yield results now. As is, the team was not so far off.

The high standard that USC has already set for itself is one that is certainly attainable. It may not happen this year exactly the way many would hope. When looking at what is coming down the pipeline, annual College Football Playoff appearances and title contention are right around the corner, but they will only be a product of how the team has gone about its business during the early spring months of 2025.