Steven Lassan (Athlon) — With the transfer portal, recruiting, coaching changes, and more moves to come this offseason, this list could look a lot different by April and then by August.
But for now, #4 USC leads Washington, Oregon, Notre Dame, Utah, and Oregon State as Top 25 picks…
1. Georgia
2. Michigan
3. Ohio State
6. Florida State
7. LSU
8. Penn State
9. Tennessee
10. Washington
11. Oregon
12. Notre Dame
13. Clemson
14. Texas
15. TCU
16. Utah
17. Oregon State
18. Tulane
19. North Carolina
20. Kansas State
21. Oklahoma
22. Ole Miss
23. Arkansas
24. Wisconsin
25. South Carolina
The Next Tier
26. Boise State
27. UTSA 28. UCLA 29. Troy 30. Texas Tech
31. Louisville 32. Mississippi State
Other Teams to Watch in 2023
Air Force
Baylor
BYU Cincinnati Coastal Carolina
Duke Fresno State
Illinois
Iowa Kansas
Kentucky
Marshall Maryland
Miami Minnesota NC State
Pitt South Alabama
Texas A&M
UCF
TrojanDailyBlog members — Always feel free to add information or new topics to the TDBwhich don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.
SUBSCRIBE HERE TO RECEIVE NOTICE OF NEW COMMENTS OR REPLIES.
Greeting from Kaanapali, Maui. My wife and I are here celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary. The plane ride from DFW to Maui was about eight hours. Watched the first four episodes of Ted Lasso on the plane. Thought it was hilarious. Ted Lasso came across as a intelligent Clay Helton. Had no clue what he was doing but understood people, and was a well-meaning incompetent. The difference between Ted Lasso and Clay Helton was the owner who hired Ted Lasso intentionally wanted to destroy the team. I doubt that was the intention of the USC administration. It reminded me very… Read more »
TEXAS and OU decide to follow USC’s lead (as Stewart Mandel remarked, “Just took some billable hours.”) Nicole Auerbach @NicoleAuerbach · Now official: USC and UCLA will begin Big Ten play in 2024. Oklahoma and Texas will begin SEC play in 2024. AND the College Football Playoff will begin its 12-team format in 2024. SI.com — “While things seemed to indicate that this was the inevitable outcome for some time, talks reportedly broke down between the schools and the television networks in recent weeks, making it look as though Texas and Oklahoma would have to wait until their grant of… Read more »
Both sides make money on the deal. The split under the old TV Big 12 TV deal was $50 per team; the new is about $31 million. UT andTX make more money under the SEC deal and the Big 12 pockets an additional $100 million. Smart move on both sides. Wonder how much the PAC will get in their new deal adding SMU and SDSU? Doubt they get as much as the Big 12. Except Cal, of course, who will probably pick up an additional $10 Million a year. Wonder if Oregon and UW will demand unequal distribution?
Per other meanderings on the web — “George Kliavkoff is struggling to find partners willing to pay close to what the league is seeking. Two of those sources said Kliavkoff overpromised his members on how many bidders there would be and what dollar amount they could command…”
I would say things are not looking up for the Pac-12 and its two newest lesser partners.
Thirty-five USC student-athletes have earned spots on the 2022 Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll for their classroom accomplishments, including the following 15 footballers
Mekhi Blackmon Terrell Bynum Matt Colombo Travis Dye Nick Figueroa* Bobby Haskins Austin Jones Jonah Monheim* Miller Moss* Danny Ryanv* Julien Simon* Isaac Ward Nathan Weneta* Josiah Zamora Grant Zane
Former USC players dismissed from Wyoming basketball program Matt Zemek (Yahoo.com) — “You haven’t heard much about former USC basketball players Ethan Anderson and Max Agbonkpolo this season. Why? They haven’t played well. The Wyoming team they played on hasn’t performed well. It’s one of those situations in which a transfer decision simply didn’t work out for anyone and everyone involved. “Anderson and Agbonkpolo have not transferred out of Wyoming. They were dismissed from the program on Tuesday — not for any scandalous behavior or unwelcome incident, but simply because Wyoming coach Jeff Linder didn’t like how they were playing. “Wyoming lost on Wednesday night at… Read more »
“He’s being a point guard,” soph teammate Kobe Johnson said. “Last year, not to cut on him, but he wasn’t as good of a passer as he is now. He’s definitely advanced his game in that aspect and he took that personal. He’s learning to get everybody involved and he’s learning to be a true point guard…”
Per reports, torturedRussell Westbrook has finally been traded away — to the Jazz.
While I’m not a huge Laker fan, just kind of a bandwagon guy who likes their greatest players, I’m glad he’s gone because I’ve never thought of him as a championship type. He always seemed expendable with the Lakers just because Lebron was the only reason he was ever in town anyway. D’Angelo Russell is headed back to L.A. after traveling all over the place.
Russ plays a position that demands an ability to shoot above league average and he flat out cannot shoot. His fit as a ball dominant player alongside Lebron or AD was terrible. DLo will be an upgrade but the best fit in the trade is Beasley. He is by far the best shooter on the team now and should lead the world in open corner 3’s.
Frankly, I can’t believe the Lakers did this well to get rid of Westbrook’s horrible K. Great accomplishment!
Got some real shooters and wing defenders in exchange for a uniquely dysfunctional and aggravating former Bruin. I’ve got to believe the Jazz will bolt from Westbrook before long to get some more picks/assets.
It all just goes to show you never can tell. The Lakers pulled off a very nice little deal. They didn’t wrap up some Kevin Durant miracle, but they look a lot more like Houdini to me now than just some irrelevant non-playoff team.
I’m wondering how keen ORE and UW will be to sign new long-term deals with the Pac-10/12 now that SMU and SDS look like their new partners in mediocrity. Stuck looks like a bad hand to me. Stream On!
Which incoming player are you most excited about? I think Branch is going to be must see. I think he is our returner from day 1. I also think Tackett Curtis will end up becoming our starting Mike sometime during the year.
Curtis will be the guy on the defense, and of course Branch on the offense. I really like the kid Eldridge who can play all over the place. I am hoping he will be the big surprise.
ALA
LSU
GA
OHIO ST
CLEM
MICH
FSU
UW
TENN USC
This is an easy one; if USC can learn how to play defense, they will be able to reach the ten-win mark and probably make the playoffs. However, it seems at the end of the season; everyone found that weakness and was able to take full advantage. What was very surprising is that Lincoln Riley decided to retain defensive coordinator Alex Grinch after such a poor performance. This isn’t the Big 12 anymore, Lincoln; you need players who know how to tackle.
Grinch has seemingly turned into the nation’s worst college DC. You can’t seem to read much about USC football anywhere without mention of the way USC’s D fully cratered in the Cotton Bowl. It’s always, USC has amazing possibilities, but their poor D needs a complete and total rehaul.
At least LR and Grinch are against the wall in this facet of USC football. I think that’s excellent, the pressure and all. No way out. Just gotta perform. ✌
As I wrote earlier, IMO, the Cotton Bowl ended Grinch’s career. It was a horrific performance on a massive stage. I do not think he will be able to survive it. My guess is he does not make it the full year next year.
Farrell answered his own question. Why did LR retain Grinch? He needs players who know how to tackle. If the talent level on defense goes up but we get the same result, then it is on the coach.
Change from OK to USC left multitude of problems/questions for both LR and AG. LR got 2 vet OL to return, then the best QB and WR to transfer. His cup was full. Grinch had a grab bag of questionable players….Problem was the D never really improved, probably got worst.. Grinch did not develop players and compounded it with bad personnel choices. LR made choice to keep him for coaching optics, and probably because behind the scene DC search didn’t pan out. Unless a HUGE turn around on D Grinch will not be coaching USC in the B1G…… Big tell… Read more »
I can understand for many reasons why LR couldn’t just dump Grinch after one bad year. But now the game is officially on with USC’s D.
Many would argue that should have always been the case, as I would. But there was something about the visual of the ridiculous Cotton Bowl crater that I think crystallized this huge Trojan football problem for a lot of us.
Cotton Bowl left me with Cotton Mouth. Only acts that could help quench my thirst before season would be big proven true DL lineman, then show me jump to next level come Season play. We may not really know until ND game
Just a thought…Conventional wisdom says Caleb goes NFL after next season. However how many better QB coaches are in all of Football?
With the NIL $ Caleb has, (which is just multiplying) if the NFL teams likely to draft him have lesser QB coaches, is it better for his development to stay with LR another season?
With his options limited, Pac-12 commish George Kliavkoff will visit possible conference addition SMU, currently a member of the American Athletic conference, tomorrow per The Athletic’s Chris Vannini.
Mustang football paid attendance averaged 24,971 per game in 2022, lower than all but two Power 5 schools.
Five-star TE Duce Robinson, who could also get drafted high (June 20-25) as a 6-6, 225-pound Aaron Judge-like outfielder, has set April 1 as his new decision deadline. USC and GA are in the best position with TEXAS, ALA and ORE hanging on.
This will be interesting, I think for profession he’s baseball in the end. It may come down to -Does NIL money reach a level that makes it worthwhile to focus on College football (1-2 yrs)? and then decide to seriously pick sport. (Imagine if LAD drafted him) ….End of the day I think the school he pick’s he will only stay/play a year or so and he goes baseball.
Still for over all recruiting It would be great to have him pick USC.
2023 La Costa Canyon HS Kicker Tyler Robles Commits to USC as a Preferred Walk-On
1st Team All-San Diego County〰️KUSI PPR Specialist of the Year Finalist〰️SD County Touchback Leader〰️Avocado League Kicker of the Year〰️Coached by John Carney
Spring practice will come fast…May transfers to follow…Until we add (2-3) some Major size and run stop, pressure to DL interior, I have trouble seeing us as a top 5 team. May Recruiting/NIL is going to determine our ability to get into the Top 5. There has to be some major D work going on behind the scene next couple months. Could we pull a Addison like move on D???? On another note, this is our farewell tour of Pac 12. There are more Pac 12 in this top 25 (32) than B1G. Still, I see the B1G tougher top… Read more »
Petero, I think you nailed it. We will not know what the team next year will look like until after we do through the May Portal additions. And, I cannot imagine that there will not be additions. The team could use more help on the DL, OLB, and perhaps one more ILB. The O seems to me to be set, except perhaps TE. Lots of depth of talent on the OL, great WR room, great RB room, and TEs are adequate.
Spot on. I think O is done with exception of a plug and play 6’4+ receiver
The D is a yr or 2, plus coaches away from the level of play we need to be at to be elite.
Would you rather USC stay in the Pac-12 where the competition may be easier but USC takes home massively less money, has worse bowl and TV capability, and earns the same as a school like WSU?
I can’t wait to bolt from the Pac-12. Sayonara George Kliavkoff (and thanks for the great send-off schedule!). But I realize others aren’t on board with that. What about you Petero?
No way. When the move was announced, ‘Fight On’ blared in me for days, still does. Adios Pac 10……. . Besides my 60 yr love of USC football (I was playing Volleyball on your NH courts about same time you went to USC) I’m a big time follower of Olympic sports. So B1G money is going to help…
So our 23′ class has more relevance to B1G play than Pac10…Curious maybe Pleasant’s commitment to the Quacks had more to do with track than Football.
B1G is a gift that will keep on giving..
I appreciate your thoughtful response Petero, expressed to all in the respectful, inclusive way that serves TDB the best. I’m very interested in the scheduling format that the B1G decides to adopt to incorporate USC and UCLA. I really have no idea how that will turn out, but with a new B1G commish coming in, his immediate impact could be mighty. As far as the new Pac-10, I don’t see a bright future, with each possible new addition not much of a needle mover or desirable as I see it. I like Olympic sports as well by the way. Women’s… Read more »
USC Women’s Beach Volleyball the next few years will be interesting to watch how it plays out. USC and (u.c la lesser extent) have owned the sport. WBVB has been the fastest growing college sport over the last few years, with more and more schools ‘jumping in’ B1G indoors has been at much higher level than PAC12. Some B!G have added indoor beach courts for training and alternative spring play. Last I heard USC and UCLA were going to remain on the coast, and maybe play in a west coast league. That may have changed. Honestly I think our move… Read more »
I thought when USC lost multiple NCAA championships coach Anna Collier that the Trojans might stumble. But new USC coaching star Dain Blanton just picked right up and immediately won two more NCs.
Agreed Petero. Barrs will be an upgrade but we certainly need more in that spot. Our DLine will be better with the other transfer additions but that’s a group that needs to be 2 deep across the board. We are not there yet.
I know it is way too early, but I like seeing a list that I can believe in. I have read people complaining about a brutal schedule next season and wonder if those people were paying attention. I hope I don’t hear any complaints from Lincoln Riley on this subject. I don’t mind if he acknowledges the challenges, but from him I feel he realizes they are just challenges. If the back seven teams on our schedule were spread out differently, we would still play the games. So the only real challenge is a mental one. Judging from the attitude… Read more »
College Football Freshmen We’re Most Intrigued to See in 2023 Spring Games Zachariah Branch, USC Wide Receiver Brad Shepard (B/R) — Without a doubt, the most electric offensive playmaker in the 2023 recruiting class is Zachariah Branch. The 5’10”, 172-pound receiver from powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas didn’t take long to commit to Lincoln Riley once Riley agreed to coach USC, and Branch hasn’t wavered on that decision. Why would he? Riley is known for spreading the ball around to his playmakers, and the Trojans have Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams for another season before they’ll need to… Read more »
Allen, he is the type of recruit PC used to regularly get and SC rarely got after PC left. He has to potential to transform this O from elite to unstoppable.
I’m pretty jacked about a lot of USC’s talented, and in some cases very experienced, incomers. Overall, I believe I like USC’s incoming Portal and prep guys more than many here, especially as it is LR’s first complete class.
It’s the best total class in the Pac-12 already, even without more anticipated help (more will come), and a nice big statement by LR that USC remains the recruiting bellcow in the west, as it has almost always been.
I have to guess that with USC at #4 that would put Alabama at #5? It appears that Athlon truly loves USC but I would say somewhere behind the Tide at between 6-9. The defense is the question mark.
Steveg, I think it depends what happens via the May portal. Right now, the D talent has been improved, but could use more help on the DL and at LB. Depth of talent on the D is very worrisome. The DL has more depth of talent than last year but it is very thin. To run the type of D Grinch uses, I think you need a very talented 2 deep and right now, that is simply not the case. But, that could change in May.
Check out this amazing certification of Trojan football dominance from 1915-2015 Pac-12 All-Century Football Team — Announced on Dec 2, 2015 by the Pac-12 Networks from the ballots of 119 players, coaches, and media members Quarterbacks John Elway, Stanford (Offensive Player of the Century) Marcus Mariota, Oregon Jim Plunkett, Stanford Andrew Luck, Stanford Matt Leinart, USC Running Backs Marcus Allen, USC OJ Simpson, USC Charles White, USC Reggie Bush, USC Mike Garrett, USC Wide Receivers Keyshawn Johnson, USC Lynn Swann, USC Marqise Lee, USC JJ Stokes, UCLA Ken Margerum, Stanford Tight Ends Tony Gonzalez, California Charles Young, USC Offensive Line… Read more »
Very impressive by USC and I’d put USC’s Carson Palmer in the QB list and Ron Mix on the Offensive Line list. Interesting that the Running Back list is all USC. Fight On!
Based on just college football played these players are the very cream of the crop. What USC needs this season is another Charles Young at Tight end. A Claiborne and a Williams wouldn’t hurt also.
Allen: I agree on Charles Young. I also liked Fred Davis. Have always felt that Vic Rakhshani didn’t get enough credit playing the “H” back and blocking for Charles White and Marcus Allen (the year he played fullback) as welll as catching passes from Paul McDonald. I’ll never forget the TV and Radio Annoucers calling out “Rakhshani in Motion”.
I liked Rakhshani too. He was a good-looking guy and is now the father of nine kids. Very versatile, athletic/clutch performer who played at USC in the late ’70s on loaded USC teams. He wasn’t a Trojan All-America or anything, but he came from my neck of the woods and was coached by the legendary head man Dave White, who roamed the sidelines for 31 years at usually powerful Huntington Beach Edison. Jim Kelly, my all-time favorite Trojan announcer, surely does come to mind with the “Rakshani in motion” suddenly now echoing in my head. Thanks for the recall! Didn’t… Read more »
Thank you Allen for the additional information on Vic. Not only did that Offense have two Heisman winners in the backfield in Charles White (may he R.I.P.) and Marcus Allen, Anthony Munoz and Brad Budde anchored the Offensive Line. QB Paul McDonald was very cerebral and accurate. Ronnie Lott roamed the secondary. Great Coach in John Robinson. The memories of watching the late 70s Trojan football teams will forever be some of my favorite sports memories!
Greeting from Kaanapali, Maui. My wife and I are here celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary. The plane ride from DFW to Maui was about eight hours. Watched the first four episodes of Ted Lasso on the plane. Thought it was hilarious. Ted Lasso came across as a intelligent Clay Helton. Had no clue what he was doing but understood people, and was a well-meaning incompetent. The difference between Ted Lasso and Clay Helton was the owner who hired Ted Lasso intentionally wanted to destroy the team. I doubt that was the intention of the USC administration. It reminded me very… Read more »
TEXAS and OU decide to follow USC’s lead (as Stewart Mandel remarked, “Just took some billable hours.”) Nicole Auerbach @NicoleAuerbach · Now official: USC and UCLA will begin Big Ten play in 2024. Oklahoma and Texas will begin SEC play in 2024. AND the College Football Playoff will begin its 12-team format in 2024. SI.com — “While things seemed to indicate that this was the inevitable outcome for some time, talks reportedly broke down between the schools and the television networks in recent weeks, making it look as though Texas and Oklahoma would have to wait until their grant of… Read more »
Both sides make money on the deal. The split under the old TV Big 12 TV deal was $50 per team; the new is about $31 million. UT andTX make more money under the SEC deal and the Big 12 pockets an additional $100 million. Smart move on both sides. Wonder how much the PAC will get in their new deal adding SMU and SDSU? Doubt they get as much as the Big 12. Except Cal, of course, who will probably pick up an additional $10 Million a year. Wonder if Oregon and UW will demand unequal distribution?
Per other meanderings on the web — “George Kliavkoff is struggling to find partners willing to pay close to what the league is seeking. Two of those sources said Kliavkoff overpromised his members on how many bidders there would be and what dollar amount they could command…”
I would say things are not looking up for the Pac-12 and its two newest lesser partners.
Thirty-five USC student-athletes have earned spots on the 2022 Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll for their classroom accomplishments, including the following 15 footballers
Mekhi Blackmon
Terrell Bynum
Matt Colombo
Travis Dye
Nick Figueroa*
Bobby Haskins
Austin Jones
Jonah Monheim*
Miller Moss*
Danny Ryanv*
Julien Simon*
Isaac Ward
Nathan Weneta*
Josiah Zamora
Grant Zane
^ – three-time honoree
* – two-time honoree
usctrojans.com
Incoming DL Kyon Barrs tape looks like he could be very disruptive for USC
https://youtu.be/RJnhFZwN6p4
Former USC players dismissed from Wyoming basketball program Matt Zemek (Yahoo.com) — “You haven’t heard much about former USC basketball players Ethan Anderson and Max Agbonkpolo this season. Why? They haven’t played well. The Wyoming team they played on hasn’t performed well. It’s one of those situations in which a transfer decision simply didn’t work out for anyone and everyone involved. “Anderson and Agbonkpolo have not transferred out of Wyoming. They were dismissed from the program on Tuesday — not for any scandalous behavior or unwelcome incident, but simply because Wyoming coach Jeff Linder didn’t like how they were playing. “Wyoming lost on Wednesday night at… Read more »
Wow! Andy certainly upgraded his talent!
Boogie Ellis has become a real point guard
“He’s being a point guard,” soph teammate Kobe Johnson said. “Last year, not to cut on him, but he wasn’t as good of a passer as he is now. He’s definitely advanced his game in that aspect and he took that personal. He’s learning to get everybody involved and he’s learning to be a true point guard…”
https://www.ocregister.com/2023/02/08/usc-basketball-benefiting-from-boogie-ellis-improved-passing/
Thank goodness!
Per reports, tortured Russell Westbrook has finally been traded away — to the Jazz.
While I’m not a huge Laker fan, just kind of a bandwagon guy who likes their greatest players, I’m glad he’s gone because I’ve never thought of him as a championship type. He always seemed expendable with the Lakers just because Lebron was the only reason he was ever in town anyway. D’Angelo Russell is headed back to L.A. after traveling all over the place.
All the details on Yahoo
Russ plays a position that demands an ability to shoot above league average and he flat out cannot shoot. His fit as a ball dominant player alongside Lebron or AD was terrible. DLo will be an upgrade but the best fit in the trade is Beasley. He is by far the best shooter on the team now and should lead the world in open corner 3’s.
Frankly, I can’t believe the Lakers did this well to get rid of Westbrook’s horrible K. Great accomplishment!
Got some real shooters and wing defenders in exchange for a uniquely dysfunctional and aggravating former Bruin. I’ve got to believe the Jazz will bolt from Westbrook before long to get some more picks/assets.
It all just goes to show you never can tell. The Lakers pulled off a very nice little deal. They didn’t wrap up some Kevin Durant miracle, but they look a lot more like Houdini to me now than just some irrelevant non-playoff team.
WR Jordan Addison, CB Mekhi Blackmon, RB Travis Dye, DL Tuli Tuipulotu and OL Andrew Vorhees are among the 319 NFL Combine (Feb 8 – Mar 6) invitees.
Alabama and Georgia with the most, 13 and 12. USC has a ways to go to get to that level of talent.
I’m wondering how keen ORE and UW will be to sign new long-term deals with the Pac-10/12 now that SMU and SDS look like their new partners in mediocrity. Stuck looks like a bad hand to me. Stream On!
Which incoming player are you most excited about? I think Branch is going to be must see. I think he is our returner from day 1. I also think Tackett Curtis will end up becoming our starting Mike sometime during the year.
Gotta be Zachariah “I can dance in a phone booth” Branch and his 4.4 forty. Check out this punt return in the UA AA game (:50) …
https://youtu.be/pPjJS5-S9j4
Curtis will be the guy on the defense, and of course Branch on the offense. I really like the kid Eldridge who can play all over the place. I am hoping he will be the big surprise.
10 Teams Who Will Require 10 Wins Next Year
ALA
LSU
GA
OHIO ST
CLEM
MICH
FSU
UW
TENN
USC
This is an easy one; if USC can learn how to play defense, they will be able to reach the ten-win mark and probably make the playoffs. However, it seems at the end of the season; everyone found that weakness and was able to take full advantage. What was very surprising is that Lincoln Riley decided to retain defensive coordinator Alex Grinch after such a poor performance. This isn’t the Big 12 anymore, Lincoln; you need players who know how to tackle.
mikefarrellsports.com
The comment about Grinch is a big “ouch!”
Grinch has seemingly turned into the nation’s worst college DC. You can’t seem to read much about USC football anywhere without mention of the way USC’s D fully cratered in the Cotton Bowl. It’s always, USC has amazing possibilities, but their poor D needs a complete and total rehaul.
At least LR and Grinch are against the wall in this facet of USC football. I think that’s excellent, the pressure and all. No way out. Just gotta perform. ✌
As I wrote earlier, IMO, the Cotton Bowl ended Grinch’s career. It was a horrific performance on a massive stage. I do not think he will be able to survive it. My guess is he does not make it the full year next year.
Farrell answered his own question. Why did LR retain Grinch? He needs players who know how to tackle. If the talent level on defense goes up but we get the same result, then it is on the coach.
Change from OK to USC left multitude of problems/questions for both LR and AG. LR got 2 vet OL to return, then the best QB and WR to transfer. His cup was full. Grinch had a grab bag of questionable players….Problem was the D never really improved, probably got worst.. Grinch did not develop players and compounded it with bad personnel choices. LR made choice to keep him for coaching optics, and probably because behind the scene DC search didn’t pan out. Unless a HUGE turn around on D Grinch will not be coaching USC in the B1G…… Big tell… Read more »
I can understand for many reasons why LR couldn’t just dump Grinch after one bad year. But now the game is officially on with USC’s D.
Many would argue that should have always been the case, as I would. But there was something about the visual of the ridiculous Cotton Bowl crater that I think crystallized this huge Trojan football problem for a lot of us.
Cotton Bowl left me with Cotton Mouth. Only acts that could help quench my thirst before season would be big proven true DL lineman, then show me jump to next level come Season play. We may not really know until ND game
I wish I could have been a fly on the wall during some of the LR/Grinch convos since TUL miraculously spanked us.
Old friends with new challenges always make for an interesting mix.
Just a thought…Conventional wisdom says Caleb goes NFL after next season. However how many better QB coaches are in all of Football?
With the NIL $ Caleb has, (which is just multiplying) if the NFL teams likely to draft him have lesser QB coaches, is it better for his development to stay with LR another season?
I wouldn’t if I were Caleb. He’d be the #1 pick in this upcoming draft, based on my nonexistent sources.
Hilarious Matt Leinart observes JLo and her husband’s behavior at the Grammys on Twitter
“Ben Affleck is the 8-year-old dragged to a wedding, wants to go home and play video games.”
With his options limited, Pac-12 commish George Kliavkoff will visit possible conference addition SMU, currently a member of the American Athletic conference, tomorrow per The Athletic’s Chris Vannini.
Mustang football paid attendance averaged 24,971 per game in 2022, lower than all but two Power 5 schools.
theathletic.com
We know SMU has the experience of paying players…Dallas would love to see SMU rise again.
Five-star TE Duce Robinson, who could also get drafted high (June 20-25) as a 6-6, 225-pound Aaron Judge-like outfielder, has set April 1 as his new decision deadline. USC and GA are in the best position with TEXAS, ALA and ORE hanging on.
This will be interesting, I think for profession he’s baseball in the end. It may come down to -Does NIL money reach a level that makes it worthwhile to focus on College football (1-2 yrs)? and then decide to seriously pick sport. (Imagine if LAD drafted him) ….End of the day I think the school he pick’s he will only stay/play a year or so and he goes baseball.
Still for over all recruiting It would be great to have him pick USC.
2023 La Costa Canyon HS Kicker Tyler Robles Commits to USC as a Preferred Walk-On
1st Team All-San Diego County〰️KUSI PPR Specialist of the Year Finalist〰️SD County Touchback Leader〰️Avocado League Kicker of the Year〰️Coached by John Carney
Spring practice will come fast…May transfers to follow…Until we add (2-3) some Major size and run stop, pressure to DL interior, I have trouble seeing us as a top 5 team. May Recruiting/NIL is going to determine our ability to get into the Top 5. There has to be some major D work going on behind the scene next couple months. Could we pull a Addison like move on D???? On another note, this is our farewell tour of Pac 12. There are more Pac 12 in this top 25 (32) than B1G. Still, I see the B1G tougher top… Read more »
Petero, I think you nailed it. We will not know what the team next year will look like until after we do through the May Portal additions. And, I cannot imagine that there will not be additions. The team could use more help on the DL, OLB, and perhaps one more ILB. The O seems to me to be set, except perhaps TE. Lots of depth of talent on the OL, great WR room, great RB room, and TEs are adequate.
Spot on. I think O is done with exception of a plug and play 6’4+ receiver
The D is a yr or 2, plus coaches away from the level of play we need to be at to be elite.
Would you rather USC stay in the Pac-12 where the competition may be easier but USC takes home massively less money, has worse bowl and TV capability, and earns the same as a school like WSU?
I can’t wait to bolt from the Pac-12. Sayonara George Kliavkoff (and thanks for the great send-off schedule!). But I realize others aren’t on board with that. What about you Petero?
No way. When the move was announced, ‘Fight On’ blared in me for days, still does. Adios Pac 10……. . Besides my 60 yr love of USC football (I was playing Volleyball on your NH courts about same time you went to USC) I’m a big time follower of Olympic sports. So B1G money is going to help…
So our 23′ class has more relevance to B1G play than Pac10…Curious maybe Pleasant’s commitment to the Quacks had more to do with track than Football.
B1G is a gift that will keep on giving..
I appreciate your thoughtful response Petero, expressed to all in the respectful, inclusive way that serves TDB the best. I’m very interested in the scheduling format that the B1G decides to adopt to incorporate USC and UCLA. I really have no idea how that will turn out, but with a new B1G commish coming in, his immediate impact could be mighty. As far as the new Pac-10, I don’t see a bright future, with each possible new addition not much of a needle mover or desirable as I see it. I like Olympic sports as well by the way. Women’s… Read more »
USC Women’s Beach Volleyball the next few years will be interesting to watch how it plays out. USC and (u.c la lesser extent) have owned the sport. WBVB has been the fastest growing college sport over the last few years, with more and more schools ‘jumping in’ B1G indoors has been at much higher level than PAC12. Some B!G have added indoor beach courts for training and alternative spring play. Last I heard USC and UCLA were going to remain on the coast, and maybe play in a west coast league. That may have changed. Honestly I think our move… Read more »
Wow. Wind machines! I had no idea, but as Pete would say, “Let’s compete!”
If USC beach volleyball somehow remains on the west coast, where the premier games are played, terrific. I look forward to more of these.
They still have the best uniforms in all of sport!!
I thought when USC lost multiple NCAA championships coach Anna Collier that the Trojans might stumble. But new USC coaching star Dain Blanton just picked right up and immediately won two more NCs.
The Trojans have just continued to rock on.
His coaching really impress me.
This brings up an interesting thought, depending where USC WBVB ends, will their matches be covered? YouTube has them, but limited.
Agreed Petero. Barrs will be an upgrade but we certainly need more in that spot. Our DLine will be better with the other transfer additions but that’s a group that needs to be 2 deep across the board. We are not there yet.
I know it is way too early, but I like seeing a list that I can believe in. I have read people complaining about a brutal schedule next season and wonder if those people were paying attention. I hope I don’t hear any complaints from Lincoln Riley on this subject. I don’t mind if he acknowledges the challenges, but from him I feel he realizes they are just challenges. If the back seven teams on our schedule were spread out differently, we would still play the games. So the only real challenge is a mental one. Judging from the attitude… Read more »
College Football Freshmen We’re Most Intrigued to See in 2023 Spring Games Zachariah Branch, USC Wide Receiver Brad Shepard (B/R) — Without a doubt, the most electric offensive playmaker in the 2023 recruiting class is Zachariah Branch. The 5’10”, 172-pound receiver from powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas didn’t take long to commit to Lincoln Riley once Riley agreed to coach USC, and Branch hasn’t wavered on that decision. Why would he? Riley is known for spreading the ball around to his playmakers, and the Trojans have Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams for another season before they’ll need to… Read more »
Allen, he is the type of recruit PC used to regularly get and SC rarely got after PC left. He has to potential to transform this O from elite to unstoppable.
I’m pretty jacked about a lot of USC’s talented, and in some cases very experienced, incomers. Overall, I believe I like USC’s incoming Portal and prep guys more than many here, especially as it is LR’s first complete class.
It’s the best total class in the Pac-12 already, even without more anticipated help (more will come), and a nice big statement by LR that USC remains the recruiting bellcow in the west, as it has almost always been.
I have to guess that with USC at #4 that would put Alabama at #5? It appears that Athlon truly loves USC but I would say somewhere behind the Tide at between 6-9. The defense is the question mark.
Steveg, I think it depends what happens via the May portal. Right now, the D talent has been improved, but could use more help on the DL and at LB. Depth of talent on the D is very worrisome. The DL has more depth of talent than last year but it is very thin. To run the type of D Grinch uses, I think you need a very talented 2 deep and right now, that is simply not the case. But, that could change in May.
Check out this amazing certification of Trojan football dominance from 1915-2015 Pac-12 All-Century Football Team — Announced on Dec 2, 2015 by the Pac-12 Networks from the ballots of 119 players, coaches, and media members Quarterbacks John Elway, Stanford (Offensive Player of the Century) Marcus Mariota, Oregon Jim Plunkett, Stanford Andrew Luck, Stanford Matt Leinart, USC Running Backs Marcus Allen, USC OJ Simpson, USC Charles White, USC Reggie Bush, USC Mike Garrett, USC Wide Receivers Keyshawn Johnson, USC Lynn Swann, USC Marqise Lee, USC JJ Stokes, UCLA Ken Margerum, Stanford Tight Ends Tony Gonzalez, California Charles Young, USC Offensive Line… Read more »
Very impressive by USC and I’d put USC’s Carson Palmer in the QB list and Ron Mix on the Offensive Line list. Interesting that the Running Back list is all USC. Fight On!
Palmer, a Heisman winner left off the list?
Based on just college football played these players are the very cream of the crop. What USC needs this season is another Charles Young at Tight end. A Claiborne and a Williams wouldn’t hurt also.
Allen: I agree on Charles Young. I also liked Fred Davis. Have always felt that Vic Rakhshani didn’t get enough credit playing the “H” back and blocking for Charles White and Marcus Allen (the year he played fullback) as welll as catching passes from Paul McDonald. I’ll never forget the TV and Radio Annoucers calling out “Rakhshani in Motion”.
I liked Rakhshani too. He was a good-looking guy and is now the father of nine kids. Very versatile, athletic/clutch performer who played at USC in the late ’70s on loaded USC teams. He wasn’t a Trojan All-America or anything, but he came from my neck of the woods and was coached by the legendary head man Dave White, who roamed the sidelines for 31 years at usually powerful Huntington Beach Edison. Jim Kelly, my all-time favorite Trojan announcer, surely does come to mind with the “Rakshani in motion” suddenly now echoing in my head. Thanks for the recall! Didn’t… Read more »
Thank you Allen for the additional information on Vic. Not only did that Offense have two Heisman winners in the backfield in Charles White (may he R.I.P.) and Marcus Allen, Anthony Munoz and Brad Budde anchored the Offensive Line. QB Paul McDonald was very cerebral and accurate. Ronnie Lott roamed the secondary. Great Coach in John Robinson. The memories of watching the late 70s Trojan football teams will forever be some of my favorite sports memories!
Quite a statement from normally taciturn, curmudgeonly Bill Belichick about what he learned from Tom Brady