Analyst Explains Why USC Football Has Figured Itself Out After Disappointing Year
Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans weren't much of a threat during their first season in the Big Ten. They went 4-5 in conference play and didn't finish the season ranked in the Associated Press poll.
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After adding Luke Wafle's commitment to an already stacked recruiting class a few weeks ago, the arrow is pointing up for the program. On3's Ari Wasserman and Andy Staples recently explained why.
"That video right there, funny enough, is the manifestation of what I thought was gonna happen from the beginning at USC," Wasserman said on "Andy & Ari On3." "Getting really good players on the West Coast, figuring out the national spots to hit and then doing it. USC has certainly given you something to cling to."
Wafle, rated a four-star edge rusher by On3, joined five-star tight end Mark Bowman and a gaggle of four-stars in the Trojans' 2026 crop. The infusion of talent is just what the doctor ordered for USC's future.
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley talks on his headset.Matt Cashore-Imagn Images
"At the end of the season, Andy, and I know USC fans were really upset with me, but I was looking around and we weren't sure who the quarterback was gonna be — Miller Moss left — the defense improved but still wasn't great," Wasserman said. "They weren't killing it 100% the way they needed to in their region in recruiting. I didn't know what USC's football identity was. ... I didn't know what you grab on to to be like, 'This is gonna get better.'
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"But now you have something here that's building that you can grab on to, which USC is recruiting its (tail) off."
Related: 'Haven't Been Relevant Since Matt Leinart': Former Oregon Star Rips USC
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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