It’s a put-up or shut-up year for USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley. He had to step up in the recruitment game after a disappointing 7-6 season, the worst in his career. Riley receives a lot of flak for his faulty decisions, lackluster approach in big games, and so on. Analyst Paul Finebaum made a direct case, calling out his three years in the driving seat of the Trojans. But keeping aside the internet-popular Riley in the hot seat debate, if you think objectively, there is still room for the head coach to take the program to the pinnacle. The Spring will work as a solid test of that potential early in the year. Can a lesser-known injury detail of a second-year WR shake up the stability of Riley’s depth?
USC came fresh off its fourth spring practice this week. The offense looks pretty stacked up, with the young, inexperienced guys bringing their best to the table. Receiver Ja’Kobi Lane stunned the team with an awe-inspiring catch in Saturday’s practice. Linebacker Eric Gentry laid a giant hit. The ball then moved to the newbies in the field, true freshmen Alex Graham and James Johnson. Both the kids made the best of their chances, fielding two punts. Guess the other guy on the fence who kicked another eye-candy punt? Xavier Jordan, the 19-year-old receiver who is meant to take the catbird seat at the Trojans’ offense after a bridled first year.
And what was exactly limiting for the Los Angeles native in 2024? Very typically, an extensive competition in the sophomore receiver class. He showed a flash of brilliance during the spring as an early enrollee but couldn’t get anywhere. If you aren’t aware, Riley subtly hinted at a middle-year injury horror behind his debunked freshman era.
“He battled some injuries last year. He had some growing up to do. But he’s, you know, feels like he’s starting to come out of that a little bit. He’s had some, he’s made some plays. He’s a very athletic, explosive kid,” the USC HC said during an interview with InsideTroy
Riley didn’t specify the nature of the injury or anything more about his healing journey. But heading to a new year, it’s safe to hope he has fully healed and is ready to take over the receiver room. The Trojans have lost key figures in the WR room, including Kyle Ford, Zachariah Branch, Duce Robinson, and Kyron Hudson. A lot of high school commits will be on the squad this year instead. But if Xavier remains healthy, his deep familiarity with the offense can become a great edge among others to stand out.
“That’s no question, he can help our football team on both offense and special teams. He’s got to, you know, continue to grow up, continue to be consistent, but all the tools are there, so he’s off to a good start. He’s made some plays for us early on in spring, and he’s just got to keep growing,” Lincoln Riley continued the hype train.
However, with the new GM at the helm of the USC, we can expect only growth from the spring onwards.
Chad Bowden sets a high recruiting goal for Lincoln Riley
Chad Bowden set the clear goal for the Trojans. He asked Lincoln Riley and the staff to focus more on the in-state talents rather than jumping onto the outsiders. As he sees it, it can be an easy and effective way to achieve their championship dream sooner or later. Bowden seems extremely hopeful about the 2025-2026 recruiting streak so far.
“The roster is in a really good place right now. I love the kids that we have,” said Chad Bowden, shifting his focus to the spring on a priority basis: “We might look a little bit into the portal if we have to, just depending on what attrition looks like for us in the spring.”
Attrition here denotes the inevitable roster cut after the House Settlement comes into effect. USC currently sits at the top of the 2026 recruiting class with 27 commits at hand. Riley and Co. just need to ensure they retain all the talents and chisel out the best in them, going forward. Bowden’s modus operandi will, however, remain the baseline of all the top-tier efforts.
“A massive focus, though, is obviously the 2026 class. We’re going to sign the most high school kids in USC football history in 2026. But if we think there is a move in the spring that helps this football team win games, we’d do.” So, is a 12th Natty loading? Well, it’s too early to dig into that. But we are inching closer, for sure.
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