USC’s head coach, Lincoln Riley, is gearing up for his third season with the Trojans, and there are significant changes on the horizon. However, some are concerned that these changes may hinder the team’s performance in the upcoming 2024 college football season.
FOX Sports College Football Reporter Bruce Feldman recently expressed his doubts about USC’s prospects for the upcoming season. He highlighted the challenges that Riley and the Trojans face, referring to it as a “reset” for the program. Despite the success of players like quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Jordan Addison, Feldman pointed out that there are underlying issues within the team that Riley inherited and has been working to address.
The Trojans are coming off an 8-5 season, where they started strong but faltered towards the end, losing five of their last six games. The team’s defense has been a particular area of concern, with USC ranking near the bottom of the Pac-12 in total yards surrendered and points allowed per game.
To address these defensive struggles, USC brought in former UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to lead the defense in 2024. With Williams now in the NFL after being the top pick in the draft, junior quarterback Miller Moss is expected to step up and lead the offense. Moss showed promise in the Holiday Bowl last season, throwing for over 370 yards and six touchdowns in a standout performance.
Despite the talent on the roster, questions remain about USC’s ability to contend for a playoff spot. Feldman noted that while the team has young, talented receivers and potential in Moss, there are concerns about the team’s recruiting efforts and overall depth. USC’s 2024 recruiting class is ranked 20th in the country, with no five-star recruits signed.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, USC faces a challenging schedule that includes matchups against LSU, Michigan, Washington, Penn State, and Notre Dame. These games will be crucial tests for the Trojans as they navigate their first season in the Big Ten conference.
As Riley prepares for his third season at USC, the pressure is on to deliver results and build a competitive team in a new conference. While there are uncertainties surrounding the team’s prospects for the 2024 season, the Trojans have the opportunity to prove their critics wrong and make a statement on the national stage.