USC Trojans’ Chad Bowden ‘Most Impactful Hire’ Across College Football?
Angela Miele (SI.com) — The USC Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley made a big move to hire Chad Bowden away from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to be USC’s general manager. Could Bowden be the most impactful college football hire and help lead Lincoln Riley and the Trojans on a College Football Playoff run?
Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN; USC HC Lincoln Riley speaks during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The USC Trojans made a couple of big hirings to join coach Lincoln Riley’s football program, mainly in the personnel department. USC needed a new general manager, hiring Chad Bowden from Notre Dame. Hiring Bowden was a crucial move for the USC Trojans and gained national attention.
On3’sAndy Staples predicted which hirings during the offseason will make the biggest impact on college football teams, and he predicted that Bowden as USC’s general manager could be just what the Trojans need to succeed.
“Riley’s Achilles heel at Oklahoma and USC has been talent acquisition. If Bowden helps address that, it could improve USC’s chances of Big Ten and national title contention dramatically,” Staples wrote.
Bowden is the only person on Staple’s list whose job does not involve on-field coaching. Staples notes Bowden’s success with Notre Dame and how that will help USC in the coming years.
“Riley exerted more control over personnel before, and the result was a talent acquisition apparatus that left USC wanting relative to national title contenders — particularly along the lines of scrimmage,” Staple wrote. “Bowden comes from Notre Dame, the program that has recruited an developed offensive linemen better than almost anyone in the past 10 years. The Fighting Irish also adapted to the NIL era better than most programs, and with Bowden’s help, Freeman assembled more talented rosters in recent years than Notre Dame had been able to field in the prior decade.”
With Notre Dame, Bowden has experience with NIL deals, high school recruiting, and the transfer portal. Notre Dame is coming off a national title appearance after building up a strong roster.
“Jen Cohen, Lincoln Riley and USC’s total commitment to excellence make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is a place with the resources, facilities and support to build a perennial winner, and I’m excited to get to work to help bring more national championships to USC,” Bowden said when he took the job.
Bowden’s ability to recruit talent through the transfer portal comes at a crucial time for the Trojans. USC is coming off a 7-6 season and faced 21 outgoing transfers in the winter window of the transfer portal.
During his media debut with USC, Bowden spoke more as to why he chose to join Riley and USC.
“USC, for me, it meant more to me. When I was a kid, I watched Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush. That was my team. Lendale White. [Dwayne] Jarrett. All of those guys. USC kind of held something in my heart. I think it’s the greatest city in the United States of America, Los Angeles. I think it’s the city of opportunity,” Bowden said.
“I think USC and the type of degree that young people can get as far as the connections, the network, can truly set them up for the rest of their lives. And I thought coming here, I could have the type of success that I want to have and I can be able to sustain it, and it’s a big reason why I chose USC.”
Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, Lincoln Riley and Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman shake hands after ND beat USC 49-35 in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Bowden’s main focus will be on the high school recruits, but he will not turn his back on the transfer portal.
“We’re going to major in high school recruiting and minor in the portal. We’re not just recruiting the kids, we’re recruiting families. . . and we’re going to keep the best players in California home,” Bowden said during his inaugural press conference.
USC’s class of 2025 is ranked No. 15 in the nation and No. 5 in the Big Ten, per On3. The Trojans are doing an impressive job with their class of 2026 early on in the process. USC now ranks No. 1 in the Nation and in the Big Ten.
Bowden will be a big part of USC landing the top recruits nationwide, and causing committed players to flip to USC. He just recently flipped highly coveted QB Jonas Williams (Frankfort, IL) from ORE and also reeled in local 4-star DL Simote Katoanga.
What will help Bowden build a strong roster is an overall investment into the Trojans’ program, recently emphasized by savvy USC AD Jen Cohen in her announcement. Adapting to the new landscape of college football and providing Riley with a talented roster could lead USC to a postseason spot as early as this upcoming season.
TrojanDailyBlog members — We always encourage you to add factual information, insight, divergent opinions, or new topics to the TDB that don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.
SUBSCRIBE HERE TO RECEIVE NOTICE OF NEW COMMENTS OR REPLIES.
It’s interesting and certainly exciting what’s evolving in the program on a foundation level. I too wonder ( as referenced by GT ) if everything Jen has done, and it’s a lot, will be neutralized by LR’s reluctance to transform to a natty level or will he shed his obstinate nature. LR has said that he doesn’t watch or read media related to the football program, and we can assume his OK and USC staff would never question his choice of using the outdated unproven Air Raid, his disinterest ( until bullied last year ) in defense (that wins championships),… Read more »
Golden and you are being realistic. The off season kool aid only goes so far.. The lack of a ST coach is a serious issue. Many times last year it was obvious that the team paid a price for the lack of a ST coach. Let’s hope he matures a bit and realizes what Michelangelo stated is true for everyone……”I’am still learning”. On the other hand Steve has pointed out accurately and without sarcasm……if 4 or 5 plays had gone the other way last year we might have been 10-2 with a slot in the playoffs and Riley would be… Read more »
Here’s another equally viable perspective. USC could also have easily lost to LSU, UCLA and A&M if 4-5 plays had gone the other way. That’s certainly what I observed and I was overjoyed to escape each of those games with a close win that could have just as easily been a loss. USC finished their reg season at 6-6 because that’s where they deserved to be after repeatedly performing poorly late in games when they lost. Sure glad to see USC mount that amazing comeback from a ridiculous 24-7 halftime deficit and win at the very end vs the equally… Read more »
Actually, I think USC (behind Jen Cohen, D’Anton Lynn, and now Chad Bowden), is doing an incredible job of making lemonade out of lemons. I couldn’t be happier with what those people are doing and the positive turn USC football has finally taken in the last few months. It’s clear USC fans now have some real reason for optimism now that the USC football structure has been upgraded and drastically improved with better people, stratification and organization. I’m also rooting for Lincoln Riley to finally get his act together and begin using his QB and offensive football knowledge to do… Read more »
USC’s lesser dependence on Lincoln Riley is a good thing and a welcome change R.J. Abeytia (247Sports/USCFootball.com) — Off the field, USC is very clearly doing its talking through its actions. No fanbase knows better by now elite recruitments don’t start until the commitment, but it makes DL Simote Katoanga’s pledge no less significant. We don’t know how Jonas Williams will pan out as a QB, but the fact USC is getting up in Oregon’s business with increased frequency is a good thing. Its significance also speaks for itself and needs no accompanying pre-celebrations. To this, we say, “Keep it up.” Just… Read more »
The questions for the 2025 season, will Chad Bowden and D’Anton Lynn and their crews be able to overcome, with talent and defense, Lincoln Riley’s game day deficiencies on offense? Or will LR improve? Sorry if I keep beating that poor dead horse (Mule).
One of my favorite Gene Hackman films ever was his partnership with Al Pacino in 1973’s Scarecrow. The haunting film about two losers hitching to Pittsburgh to start a car wash together with a few too many roadblocks along the way wasn’t much of a commercial success. Probably too much of a downer to fill theatre seats, but Hackman’s tough guy with a heart persona is impossible to forget.
In an interview Hackman stated that his favorite movie that he acted in was Scarecrow. He stated that his favorite actor to work with had been Pacino.
He had not acted in 20 years but everything that man made was quality and stands the test of time. A former marine that wandered around Danville Ill and attended the University of Illinois. Born in CA. He loved to act but he was as tough as nails. Refused to accept stupid directors and bad scripts.
It’s as if a small part of us died yesterday.
Well said illinoisusc. I hope no foul play was involved. The bizarre combo of crime scene facets surrounding the deaths of 95-year-old Hackman, his 65-year-old wife, and a dog beg for a Columbo-like detective!
I had heard that Hackman, in addition to being 95, was suffering from dementia. Usually a public figure who has Alzheimer’s/dementia becomes a recluse protected by family. Ronaldus Magnus comes to mind. From Popeye Doyle to the Coach in Hoosiers to Royal Tennenbaum, every character ‘‘twas a joy to watch.
Women of Troy are No. 1 seed in NCAA selection committee’s latest top 16 reveal Ahmad Akkaoui (247sports) — USC was selected as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA selection committee’s second top 16 rankings reveal released Thursday, placing the Women of Troy at No. 3 overall and at the top of the Spokane 3 Regional bracket. The rankings put UCLA and Texas over the Trojans and Notre Dame right behind. South Carolina, Connecticut, LSU and NC State earned spots in the top eight as No. 2 seeds. USC sits at the top of the Spokane 3 Regional paired with UConn, Duke and Kentucky. For USC, a win Saturday in… Read more »
I’m gonna miss Gene Hackman. He was great in so many diverse and wildly popular movies. Such a versatile guy who also wrote historical fiction books and never made the headlines for negative behavior.
USC Football Top 2024 Season Defensive Grades Connor Morrissette (USCFootball.com) — NO. 1 LB ERIC GENTRY — Gentry will be back at USC next season for his final year of collegiate eligibility. If he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for him. 2024 Grade: 83.4 2023 Season Grade: 70.9 NO. 2 CB JAYLIN SMITH — Jaylin Smith put together a strong senior season, which is why the cornerback will be an NFL Draft pick in the spring. 2024 Grade: 82.6 2023 Season Grade: 67.2 NO. 3 S KAMARI RAMSEY — Ramsey could have gone to the NFL after last season,… Read more »
My suggestion on the upcoming Portal recruitment, find out who LB Coach Rob Ryan wants and make sure you get that player! And if there is no player there he likes, then the top
priority in HS recruiting is who he wants. The LB position is weak with good athletes let alone depth. It’s the suspect position right now and if I was LR/Bowden, I would want to make Coach Ryan happy. His coaching at that position could cause absolute havoc to an opposing offense.
True Freshmen Report: Early intel on 2025 recruits already turning heads Pete Nakos (on3.com) —
USC: “A lot of them are doing well. Obviously [defensive lineman] Jahkeem [Stewart] came in here and everyone is impressed with how he’s committed to everything and how hard he works. He doesn’t have a big head or anything. That’s good.
“[Quarterback] Husan Longstreet is up here every single day in coaches’ offices learning. These young kids have been around so much they want to get better and learn and meet with coaches and all that kind of stuff.”
USC Football 2024 Season Defensive Grades LB Eric Gentry was USC’s top-graded player on defense in 2024. Connor Morrissette (USCFootball.com) — A grade of 85 or higher is an NFL-caliber rating, while a grade between 80 to 84 is considered “very good.” Below average grades range from 50-60. Each player begins with a 60 grade and then their grade goes up or down from there. The Bottom Five LB Mason Cobb (59.4) – Cobb earned a 48.4 pass-rushing grade, which lowered his overall defensive grade. He played 714 defensive snaps. S Akili Arnold (58.0) – Arnold played 697 defensive snaps. He received average… Read more »
Biggest question for USC linebackers Can USC add at least one during the spring portal? It’s a big need. Erik McKinney (WeAreSC) — USC does not have enough linebackers to say with confidence this position can get through the season. Full stop. Eric Gentry has a chance to put up All-American numbers this season based on his play and stats through four games last season. Desman Stephens showed as a true freshman that he’s somebody who can take a big step forward in 2025. Beyond that? Anthony Beavers was a little bit hit-or-miss in making the move from safety to… Read more »
Transfer Portal Confidential (The Athletic/Antonio Morales and Sam Khan Jr.) Now that there has been time to assess all the roster movement, The Athletic spoke to 13 coaches and personnel staffers across the sport to get their insight on the most recent portal cycle — from players and portal classes they liked the most to how much it costs to land transfers and build rosters. Coaches and staffers were granted anonymity for their unfiltered thoughts. Which transfer who didn’t sign with your school did you like the most in the portal? Coach 3: (Offensive tackle) Howard Sampson, who Texas Tech signed. (Purdue offensive lineman) DJ… Read more »
I’m hearing that they are about start putting in some strick rules concerning NIL some other things with harsh penalties. That’s what I heard. Whether it’s true or not I’m not sure. Mark Kulkin was talking about it on his podcast. This may be a stretch. I can’t prove it. But it strikes me as strange that while USC was floundering around, going nowhere, they didn’t do a thing. Now that USC has their thing together and they look like they are going to really reach their potential(and their potential is high), all of a sudden the powers that be,… Read more »
Obviously, NIL couldn’t go on structured as it has been, basically a wild, wild west of funneling money to athletes at breakneck speed, for an undelivered product, in uncharted choppy waters.
I suspect USC supports intelligent and more restrictive NIL rules as much as anyone. JMHO.
I’m sure you are right. I’m just saying it seems strange that they decide to get their butt in motion right about the time SC is getting their butt in motion. Maybe it’s a stretch.
With the incredibly capable Jen Cohen at the helm, and those she has hand-picked to effectuate her policies and guidance, I feel USC athletics is now managed from the top in a way that makes me feel very confident we can stay out of trouble and succeed, whatever the rules. In that respect, i heartily welcome NIL rule advancement to somewhat get this financial monkey off CFB’s back. I didn’t listen to Kulkin’s podcast, but if its contents are true, it’s good news to me, regardless of new penalty possibilities. Enforcement tools alway needs to be there, or history shows… Read more »
Can USC win a NC in football under LR? I would say why not? Especially if he is surrounded by the right people. Is Ryan Day a great coach. He hasn’t convinced me that he is. He is sort of like LR…..a great offensive mind but this guy is not Urban Meyer. But he is surrounded by the best people money can buy both on and off the field. But there can be no more excuses….LR must win big this year.
If you think back to last season, had a few plays been executed well we wouldn’t even be having this discussion, USC would have been a proven winner. Now they have to prove it this upcoming season.
Although last year was subpar for SC fans(and should be), they were robbed against Minnesota and should have beaten Penn State and I still think that they should have beaten ND. They gave that game away. They could have very easily won 10 games last year.
Steveg, Totally agree. I think the largest problem last year was the QB position. Miller Moss is NOT a NFL starting QB talent. I went to the LSU game and Moss was money. He made the plays when the game was on the line. Remember, after that game, he was touted for the Heisman. I think that was the only game that he performed at that until he was removed. Most would say that it was LR’s fault that he never played that well again. Personally, I think it was opposing DC’s figured out that Moss was nonathletic and did… Read more »
Maiva is a slinger, pure and simple. He thinks his throwing velosity allows him to rocket passes to covered recievers. I could imagine he threw passes he hoped would find the receiver and not get picked but did and that became a negative consistency. Whether or not he can become a disciplined passer is the big question besides his ability to read defenses. However, our WRs were young last year not having the experience to deal with the coverages as soon as needed getting space enough to prevent some picks. I got the feeling towards the last half of the… Read more »
I think LR should get back to coaching QB’s which is what he does best and just trust in his position coaches and co-ordinators to do their job. They don’t need his help. He has good assistants. I don’t see why he needs to be wandering around keeping his eyes on all parts of the football team.
LR is basically a coordinator/QB coach with a HC label. He’s not alone in CFB as that type of HC. They come in all shapes and sizes.
Now that the on-the-move USC program has overseer Jen Cohen on full alert, Chad Bowden in charge of operations, and nearly every single one of the original assts replaced with far better coaches (thank you D’Anton Lynn for starting it off), I think your opinion is well-merited.
Good thinking. As you say, his new assistants/staff don’t need his help, and his expertise on special teams and D is nil.
It has been mentioned a few times and I believe it. Jen’s movement who she has brought into the football program severely limits LR’s ability to make excuses when the program and its record isn’t improving each season from now on. It’s pretty much what she had to do to put him on notice his honeymoon is over and the results better start coming.
Yep. LR brought this upon himself with his ineptitude in so many areas. But I think that not only are his deficiencies being compensated, the program is structurally better off than even had he been a great coach.
interesting perspective vT, and I can’t say I disagree. I feel a lot more confident about USC going forward knowing that LR’s responsibilities have been curtailed, and savvy leaders such as Jen Cohen and Chad Bowden are on the job to get USC football out of this long rut we have occupied.
What this means longer term is that USC doesn’t have to find the next McKay, Robinson or Carroll, i.e., a superstar coach, but rather just a very good one. The staff is now a team sport and not relaint on a single superstar.
The game of college football has changed more in the last three years than in the previous fifty IMO.
I think that lots of CFB programs will find themselves doing well (or at least better) with increasingly large andsuperior “front office” organizations which can set up all head coaches to win more despite their weaknesses.
Not long ago, people wondered how LR would react to and deal with a powerful new well-paid GM with expanded reach. With Chad Bowden’s apparent authority and crucial place in the new Trojan football hierarchy, that’s not an issue.
Here’s praying he can separate the wheat from the chaff: the Zachariah Branch’s from those who really want to experience and embrace Trojan culture. While Branch was probably a hundred of a second or two faster than Bush, both were ultimately Trojan disappointments. Clearly Chad Bowden understands and can perhaps foresee the impacts and permutations of the changing college football scene.
“Culture change” is a catchphrase that has infiltrated so many aspects of American life lately. Without doubt, the addition of Chad Bowden and his new hand-picked recruiting and operations staff have improved USC’s recruiting culture with lightning speed.
Now USC needs to show that same improvement in the player development and usage side of its game.
When was the last time USC had a class literally ranked #1 in the nation? That’s where USC’s 11-commit class for 2026 is rated right now. #1. Suddenly, the Trojan recruiting vibe feels like Ed O and Pete Carroll are at the helm. Remember those days when it honestly felt like any recruit was within our reach? It’s starting to feel like that again now. Bowden has hit the ground running with Reggie Bush-like speed ever since he touched foot in L.A. Recent commitments QB Jonas Williams, who flipped from ORE (don’t you love that!), and DL Simone Katoanga (below)… Read more »
Who’s Next? And Notre Dame already misses Chad Bowden… Scott Schrader (on3.com) — The 11 committed 2026 players for the Trojans (now ranked #1) are DL Simote Katoanga, ATH Xavier Griffin, CB RJ Sermons, CB Brandon Lockhart, EDGE Braeden Jones, CB Madden Riordan, ATH Joshua Holland, RB Shahn Alston, QB Jonas Williams, EDGE Andrew Williams and WR Ja’Myron “Tron” Baker. My buddy covering Notre Dame thinks USC adding Chad Bowden was significant with Simote Katoanga. We can say the same with Jonas Williams. While this could change tomorrow, next week or next month, as of now we believe the most likely 2026 USC targets to commit next are: 3-star OT Vlad Dyakonov 4-star RB Deshonne… Read more »
Super versatile JuJu Watkins becomes a six-time Big Ten Player of the Week
Ahmad Akkaoui (247Sports) — JuJu Watkins led No. 4 USC to its sixth straight win and eighth win over a ranked opponent Sunday, scoring 22 points in the victory over then-No. 25 ILL in the Galen Center. She added five rebounds three assists, four blocks, a steal and only one turnover.
After winning it three times in a row earlier in the season, she has started a new streak with her second straight weekly award. 247sports.com
Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN; USC HC Lincoln Riley speaks during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, Lincoln Riley and Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman shake hands after ND beat USC 49-35 in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It’s interesting and certainly exciting what’s evolving in the program on a foundation level. I too wonder ( as referenced by GT ) if everything Jen has done, and it’s a lot, will be neutralized by LR’s reluctance to transform to a natty level or will he shed his obstinate nature. LR has said that he doesn’t watch or read media related to the football program, and we can assume his OK and USC staff would never question his choice of using the outdated unproven Air Raid, his disinterest ( until bullied last year ) in defense (that wins championships),… Read more »
“LR’s fetish to not carry a ST’s coach.”
I’ve never heard it described that humorous (to me at least) way, but I do wish we had one, especially in this era of unlimited coaches.
Golden and you are being realistic. The off season kool aid only goes so far.. The lack of a ST coach is a serious issue. Many times last year it was obvious that the team paid a price for the lack of a ST coach. Let’s hope he matures a bit and realizes what Michelangelo stated is true for everyone……”I’am still learning”. On the other hand Steve has pointed out accurately and without sarcasm……if 4 or 5 plays had gone the other way last year we might have been 10-2 with a slot in the playoffs and Riley would be… Read more »
Here’s another equally viable perspective. USC could also have easily lost to LSU, UCLA and A&M if 4-5 plays had gone the other way. That’s certainly what I observed and I was overjoyed to escape each of those games with a close win that could have just as easily been a loss. USC finished their reg season at 6-6 because that’s where they deserved to be after repeatedly performing poorly late in games when they lost. Sure glad to see USC mount that amazing comeback from a ridiculous 24-7 halftime deficit and win at the very end vs the equally… Read more »
Well…..don’t ever get me wrong……I’d get rid of Riley in a NY second without the cash issue. We’re stuck with him so let’s make lemonade.
Actually, I think USC (behind Jen Cohen, D’Anton Lynn, and now Chad Bowden), is doing an incredible job of making lemonade out of lemons. I couldn’t be happier with what those people are doing and the positive turn USC football has finally taken in the last few months. It’s clear USC fans now have some real reason for optimism now that the USC football structure has been upgraded and drastically improved with better people, stratification and organization. I’m also rooting for Lincoln Riley to finally get his act together and begin using his QB and offensive football knowledge to do… Read more »
USC’s lesser dependence on Lincoln Riley is a good thing and a welcome change R.J. Abeytia (247Sports/USCFootball.com) — Off the field, USC is very clearly doing its talking through its actions. No fanbase knows better by now elite recruitments don’t start until the commitment, but it makes DL Simote Katoanga’s pledge no less significant. We don’t know how Jonas Williams will pan out as a QB, but the fact USC is getting up in Oregon’s business with increased frequency is a good thing. Its significance also speaks for itself and needs no accompanying pre-celebrations. To this, we say, “Keep it up.” Just… Read more »
The questions for the 2025 season, will Chad Bowden and D’Anton Lynn and their crews be able to overcome, with talent and defense, Lincoln Riley’s game day deficiencies on offense? Or will LR improve? Sorry if I keep beating that poor dead horse (Mule).
GT, it is a very dead horse. Cheer up buddy, it’s a new day and we need to be optimistic, no matter how much it hurts. 😁😁
USC is holding its Pro Day (closed to the public) on March 12 at 8:30 a.m.
It’s possible no Trojans will be picked in the first three rounds of the Draft.
One of my favorite Gene Hackman films ever was his partnership with Al Pacino in 1973’s Scarecrow. The haunting film about two losers hitching to Pittsburgh to start a car wash together with a few too many roadblocks along the way wasn’t much of a commercial success. Probably too much of a downer to fill theatre seats, but Hackman’s tough guy with a heart persona is impossible to forget.
In an interview Hackman stated that his favorite movie that he acted in was Scarecrow. He stated that his favorite actor to work with had been Pacino.
He had not acted in 20 years but everything that man made was quality and stands the test of time. A former marine that wandered around Danville Ill and attended the University of Illinois. Born in CA. He loved to act but he was as tough as nails. Refused to accept stupid directors and bad scripts.
It’s as if a small part of us died yesterday.
Well said illinoisusc. I hope no foul play was involved. The bizarre combo of crime scene facets surrounding the deaths of 95-year-old Hackman, his 65-year-old wife, and a dog beg for a Columbo-like detective!
Yes……another grassy knoll.
His wife Betsy Arakawa attended USC from 1981 through 1983. The mystery deepens as we now have a Trojan connection.
I also heard that he was friends with Jack Del Rio. You wonder how that connection was made.
I had heard that Hackman, in addition to being 95, was suffering from dementia. Usually a public figure who has Alzheimer’s/dementia becomes a recluse protected by family. Ronaldus Magnus comes to mind. From Popeye Doyle to the Coach in Hoosiers to Royal Tennenbaum, every character ‘‘twas a joy to watch.
My favorite was Hossiers.
Women of Troy are No. 1 seed in NCAA selection committee’s latest top 16 reveal Ahmad Akkaoui (247sports) — USC was selected as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA selection committee’s second top 16 rankings reveal released Thursday, placing the Women of Troy at No. 3 overall and at the top of the Spokane 3 Regional bracket. The rankings put UCLA and Texas over the Trojans and Notre Dame right behind. South Carolina, Connecticut, LSU and NC State earned spots in the top eight as No. 2 seeds. USC sits at the top of the Spokane 3 Regional paired with UConn, Duke and Kentucky. For USC, a win Saturday in… Read more »
Gene Hackman……..he provided more entertainment than USC football…….and that is saying a lot. RIP.
I’m gonna miss Gene Hackman. He was great in so many diverse and wildly popular movies. Such a versatile guy who also wrote historical fiction books and never made the headlines for negative behavior.
Gene was a local boy being born and taught HS in San Bernardino before becoming an actor. He probably ate at the very first McDonalds on E street.
USC Football Top 2024 Season Defensive Grades Connor Morrissette (USCFootball.com) — NO. 1 LB ERIC GENTRY — Gentry will be back at USC next season for his final year of collegiate eligibility. If he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for him. 2024 Grade: 83.4 2023 Season Grade: 70.9 NO. 2 CB JAYLIN SMITH — Jaylin Smith put together a strong senior season, which is why the cornerback will be an NFL Draft pick in the spring. 2024 Grade: 82.6 2023 Season Grade: 67.2 NO. 3 S KAMARI RAMSEY — Ramsey could have gone to the NFL after last season,… Read more »
My suggestion on the upcoming Portal recruitment, find out who LB Coach Rob Ryan wants and make sure you get that player! And if there is no player there he likes, then the top
priority in HS recruiting is who he wants. The LB position is weak with good athletes let alone depth. It’s the suspect position right now and if I was LR/Bowden, I would want to make Coach Ryan happy. His coaching at that position could cause absolute havoc to an opposing offense.
True Freshmen Report: Early intel on 2025 recruits already turning heads
Pete Nakos (on3.com) —
USC: “A lot of them are doing well. Obviously [defensive lineman] Jahkeem [Stewart] came in here and everyone is impressed with how he’s committed to everything and how hard he works. He doesn’t have a big head or anything. That’s good.
“[Quarterback] Husan Longstreet is up here every single day in coaches’ offices learning. These young kids have been around so much they want to get better and learn and meet with coaches and all that kind of stuff.”
Lucky talented young people doing what they want to do……that is heaven. Hope they enjoy every day of it…….
OHIO ST takes on the USC men at Galen on the B1G Network at 7:30 pm.
USC Football 2024 Season Defensive Grades LB Eric Gentry was USC’s top-graded player on defense in 2024. Connor Morrissette (USCFootball.com) — A grade of 85 or higher is an NFL-caliber rating, while a grade between 80 to 84 is considered “very good.” Below average grades range from 50-60. Each player begins with a 60 grade and then their grade goes up or down from there. The Bottom Five LB Mason Cobb (59.4) – Cobb earned a 48.4 pass-rushing grade, which lowered his overall defensive grade. He played 714 defensive snaps. S Akili Arnold (58.0) – Arnold played 697 defensive snaps. He received average… Read more »
Biggest question for USC linebackers Can USC add at least one during the spring portal? It’s a big need. Erik McKinney (WeAreSC) — USC does not have enough linebackers to say with confidence this position can get through the season. Full stop. Eric Gentry has a chance to put up All-American numbers this season based on his play and stats through four games last season. Desman Stephens showed as a true freshman that he’s somebody who can take a big step forward in 2025. Beyond that? Anthony Beavers was a little bit hit-or-miss in making the move from safety to… Read more »
Transfer Portal Confidential (The Athletic/Antonio Morales and Sam Khan Jr.) Now that there has been time to assess all the roster movement, The Athletic spoke to 13 coaches and personnel staffers across the sport to get their insight on the most recent portal cycle — from players and portal classes they liked the most to how much it costs to land transfers and build rosters. Coaches and staffers were granted anonymity for their unfiltered thoughts. Which transfer who didn’t sign with your school did you like the most in the portal? Coach 3: (Offensive tackle) Howard Sampson, who Texas Tech signed. (Purdue offensive lineman) DJ… Read more »
I’m hearing that they are about start putting in some strick rules concerning NIL some other things with harsh penalties. That’s what I heard. Whether it’s true or not I’m not sure. Mark Kulkin was talking about it on his podcast. This may be a stretch. I can’t prove it. But it strikes me as strange that while USC was floundering around, going nowhere, they didn’t do a thing. Now that USC has their thing together and they look like they are going to really reach their potential(and their potential is high), all of a sudden the powers that be,… Read more »
Obviously, NIL couldn’t go on structured as it has been, basically a wild, wild west of funneling money to athletes at breakneck speed, for an undelivered product, in uncharted choppy waters.
I suspect USC supports intelligent and more restrictive NIL rules as much as anyone. JMHO.
I’m sure you are right. I’m just saying it seems strange that they decide to get their butt in motion right about the time SC is getting their butt in motion. Maybe it’s a stretch.
With the incredibly capable Jen Cohen at the helm, and those she has hand-picked to effectuate her policies and guidance, I feel USC athletics is now managed from the top in a way that makes me feel very confident we can stay out of trouble and succeed, whatever the rules. In that respect, i heartily welcome NIL rule advancement to somewhat get this financial monkey off CFB’s back. I didn’t listen to Kulkin’s podcast, but if its contents are true, it’s good news to me, regardless of new penalty possibilities. Enforcement tools alway needs to be there, or history shows… Read more »
Can USC win a NC in football under LR? I would say why not? Especially if he is surrounded by the right people. Is Ryan Day a great coach. He hasn’t convinced me that he is. He is sort of like LR…..a great offensive mind but this guy is not Urban Meyer. But he is surrounded by the best people money can buy both on and off the field. But there can be no more excuses….LR must win big this year.
If you think back to last season, had a few plays been executed well we wouldn’t even be having this discussion, USC would have been a proven winner. Now they have to prove it this upcoming season.
Although last year was subpar for SC fans(and should be), they were robbed against Minnesota and should have beaten Penn State and I still think that they should have beaten ND. They gave that game away. They could have very easily won 10 games last year.
Steveg, Totally agree. I think the largest problem last year was the QB position. Miller Moss is NOT a NFL starting QB talent. I went to the LSU game and Moss was money. He made the plays when the game was on the line. Remember, after that game, he was touted for the Heisman. I think that was the only game that he performed at that until he was removed. Most would say that it was LR’s fault that he never played that well again. Personally, I think it was opposing DC’s figured out that Moss was nonathletic and did… Read more »
Maiva is a slinger, pure and simple. He thinks his throwing velosity allows him to rocket passes to covered recievers. I could imagine he threw passes he hoped would find the receiver and not get picked but did and that became a negative consistency. Whether or not he can become a disciplined passer is the big question besides his ability to read defenses. However, our WRs were young last year not having the experience to deal with the coverages as soon as needed getting space enough to prevent some picks. I got the feeling towards the last half of the… Read more »
I think LR should get back to coaching QB’s which is what he does best and just trust in his position coaches and co-ordinators to do their job. They don’t need his help. He has good assistants. I don’t see why he needs to be wandering around keeping his eyes on all parts of the football team.
LR is basically a coordinator/QB coach with a HC label. He’s not alone in CFB as that type of HC. They come in all shapes and sizes.
Now that the on-the-move USC program has overseer Jen Cohen on full alert, Chad Bowden in charge of operations, and nearly every single one of the original assts replaced with far better coaches (thank you D’Anton Lynn for starting it off), I think your opinion is well-merited.
Good thinking. As you say, his new assistants/staff don’t need his help, and his expertise on special teams and D is nil.
It has been mentioned a few times and I believe it. Jen’s movement who she has brought into the football program severely limits LR’s ability to make excuses when the program and its record isn’t improving each season from now on. It’s pretty much what she had to do to put him on notice his honeymoon is over and the results better start coming.
Yep. LR brought this upon himself with his ineptitude in so many areas. But I think that not only are his deficiencies being compensated, the program is structurally better off than even had he been a great coach.
interesting perspective vT, and I can’t say I disagree. I feel a lot more confident about USC going forward knowing that LR’s responsibilities have been curtailed, and savvy leaders such as Jen Cohen and Chad Bowden are on the job to get USC football out of this long rut we have occupied.
What this means longer term is that USC doesn’t have to find the next McKay, Robinson or Carroll, i.e., a superstar coach, but rather just a very good one. The staff is now a team sport and not relaint on a single superstar.
The game of college football has changed more in the last three years than in the previous fifty IMO.
I think that lots of CFB programs will find themselves doing well (or at least better) with increasingly large and superior “front office” organizations which can set up all head coaches to win more despite their weaknesses.
Not long ago, people wondered how LR would react to and deal with a powerful new well-paid GM with expanded reach. With Chad Bowden’s apparent authority and crucial place in the new Trojan football hierarchy, that’s not an issue.
Kulkin talks about it on both of these programs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MOXpRHIXrc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaxriyIqE6A
TDBers — FYI, each one is about 30 mins long.
Here’s praying he can separate the wheat from the chaff: the Zachariah Branch’s from those who really want to experience and embrace Trojan culture. While Branch was probably a hundred of a second or two faster than Bush, both were ultimately Trojan disappointments. Clearly Chad Bowden understands and can perhaps foresee the impacts and permutations of the changing college football scene.
“Culture change” is a catchphrase that has infiltrated so many aspects of American life lately. Without doubt, the addition of Chad Bowden and his new hand-picked recruiting and operations staff have improved USC’s recruiting culture with lightning speed.
Now USC needs to show that same improvement in the player development and usage side of its game.
When was the last time USC had a class literally ranked #1 in the nation? That’s where USC’s 11-commit class for 2026 is rated right now. #1. Suddenly, the Trojan recruiting vibe feels like Ed O and Pete Carroll are at the helm. Remember those days when it honestly felt like any recruit was within our reach? It’s starting to feel like that again now. Bowden has hit the ground running with Reggie Bush-like speed ever since he touched foot in L.A. Recent commitments QB Jonas Williams, who flipped from ORE (don’t you love that!), and DL Simone Katoanga (below)… Read more »
Here’s hoping Chad Bowden brings clarity and recruits to USC.
He was quoted as bunking in with LR at Mount Rolling Hills Estates. He added LR is feeding him Texas style steaks with “all the trimmings”.
LR”s diet has certainly improved since Muleshoe, Texas..
LR used to covet dead roadkill possum and a warm six pack of Lone Star beer.
Who’s Next? And Notre Dame already misses Chad Bowden… Scott Schrader (on3.com) — The 11 committed 2026 players for the Trojans (now ranked #1) are DL Simote Katoanga, ATH Xavier Griffin, CB RJ Sermons, CB Brandon Lockhart, EDGE Braeden Jones, CB Madden Riordan, ATH Joshua Holland, RB Shahn Alston, QB Jonas Williams, EDGE Andrew Williams and WR Ja’Myron “Tron” Baker. My buddy covering Notre Dame thinks USC adding Chad Bowden was significant with Simote Katoanga. We can say the same with Jonas Williams. While this could change tomorrow, next week or next month, as of now we believe the most likely 2026 USC targets to commit next are: 3-star OT Vlad Dyakonov 4-star RB Deshonne… Read more »
Super versatile JuJu Watkins becomes a six-time Big Ten Player of the Week
Ahmad Akkaoui (247Sports) — JuJu Watkins led No. 4 USC to its sixth straight win and eighth win over a ranked opponent Sunday, scoring 22 points in the victory over then-No. 25 ILL in the Galen Center. She added five rebounds three assists, four blocks, a steal and only one turnover.
After winning it three times in a row earlier in the season, she has started a new streak with her second straight weekly award.
247sports.com