USC offseason under coach Lincoln Riley sets stage for lasting success

The 2025 offseason has been a tremendous success for USC. Having the top recruiting classes is something to hang your hat on as a program, but there are even more important developments than that happening in the building.

The program's vision has a clear purpose and is making strides in the areas that it needs to, while others jockey for positioning in shorter-lived areas, not focusing on the things that matter the most.

For some, it will not be enough. What will matter is how the team does during the season itself. Certainly, that is the measuring stick. It is a win-loss business. To only boil down the program based on how last season went, however, is too dismissive of the clear steps in the right direction that are being implemented under coach Lincoln Riley.

It may have taken some time since arriving from Oklahoma. Coach Riley has even admitted to some of his past missteps. For some it could be seen as too little, too late. What it should show is the willingness of this Trojan staff to learn and adapt and do what is best for the program moving forward in either event.

In many ways, coach Riley is counting on the sustained model working immediately, because he has drifted away from the quick fixes that he looked to turn to early in Los Angeles.

Now, projecting ahead, the recruiting levels are where they should be, and the lines are looking like formidable college football forces again. Add that this staff is great within their respective positional roles, and on the trail, it is easy to see success right around the corner.

Uncertain collegiate future will see USC be succesful

A lot can change in this sport at any time. The NCAA settlement lawsuit appears to find a new life every time an end to the process is close, which is one instance that is important to monitor in regard to how the system itself allows for schools to participate.

Regardless of what happens there or if there are a handful of decommitments, how coach Riley and this staff are approaching things at USC is what is needed right now and will allow for the program to blossom.