USC Faces Key Changes Ahead of Big Ten Move

USC head coach Lincoln Riley is entering a pivotal fourth season, emphasizing the need for improvement, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, as the Trojans seek to meet national championship expectations. At Big Ten media days, Riley discussed the ongoing quarterback competition, spotlighting Jayden Maiava's late-2024 progress and the promise of freshman Husan Longstreet, while underscoring the value of internal competition. The future of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry remains uncertain due to Big Ten scheduling and playoff changes, but Riley strongly advocated for its continuation, highlighting its historical importance. Riley further called for preserving non-conference rivalry games and suggested automatic playoff berths for major conferences. Off the field, USC boasts the top-rated 2026 recruiting class, leveraging new staff and NIL advantages to attract top talent. The Trojans' revamped roster will debut in their 2025 season opener against Missouri State.