Reaction from USC Trojans illustrates program strength following decommitment

It is a new day and age in college football. USC fans should be excited when a player commits. The reality of the situation is that even when players are on campus, others are going to try to negatively recruit against the university.

Xavier Griffin is a five-star talent from Georgia and decided to entertain other potential offers while being pledged to USC. Again, that's well within the rules of the current NCAA.

Coach Lincoln Riley and the staff, however, are making it an emphasis to only focus on people who truly want to be a part of the program. Just as the player, in this case Griffin, is entitled to look to see where the grass is potentially greener for him, the Trojans have to equally do right by themselves.

When it comes down to it, coach Riley and GM Chad Bowden are looking to somewhat circumvent the current commonly called 'Wild West' of college football. Instead of jockeying for position every transfer season and looking to secure recruits with the best last-minute promise or impression, they are taking their time and truly showcasing what the genuine experience would be as a Trojan.

The staff is giving their all to the players, and fellow commits are doing everything they can, before even stepping on campus, to reciprocate the family atmosphere that has become the focus in Troy.

Great display of loyalty from USC commit

Any number of explanations can be the reason behind someone making a decision.

The words of the class of 2026 CB, Brandon Lockhart, are telling. In a response to USCFootball.com's Connor Morrissette, the commit commented on the reporter, stating that USC does not want to see those who pledged themselves to be Trojans making visits to other places. Lockhart stated in a post on X:  

"I mean, my parents are committed to one another, and I don’t think they’d like or allow the other to go on dates to check things out elsewhere."

And that is the difference between those who take the word commitment seriously and those who do not. In today's era, a lot of times, it's a meaningless announcement. The news is broken, and the athlete also mentions the allure of other schools that they'll soon be visiting following their 'commitment.'

While others may partake in that aspect of CFB, USC is bringing in and investing in student-athletes who will work toward improving the current state of USC, aiming to bring the Trojans back to where they should be in the collegiate landscape.