Do USC Trojans Have In-State California Recruiting Problem? Lincoln Riley Addresses

Competition from other elite programs and the lure of NIL deals has made it challenging for USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley to win the battles for the state's top recruits. Nonetheless, maintaining in-state California talent remains a priority for Riley.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LOS ANGELES - Part of what made former USC Trojans coach Pete Carroll successful during his dominant run in the 2000's was his ability to build a mythical fence around Southern California when it came to recruiting. Steve Sarkisian was able to do the same in his short stint in Los Angeles, putting together two top 10 recruiting classes in 2014 and 2015.

The Trojans' 2016 roster that captured the program's last Rose Bowl victory was flooded with key starters that played high school football within 60 miles of USC's campus.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

But under the previous regime and as a of late it has been a different story. Of the top 25 recruits in the 2025 recruiting cycle in California, per 247Sports, USC has four commitments. To put in perspective, Alabama also has four, including three of the top seven prospects. Texas A&M has two of the top five and four of the top 13 overall and Oregon also has four commitments.

In 2024, the Ducks signed seven of the top 25 prospects in the state, Alabama grabbed the top two overall prospects, and the Trojans signed two. Competition from other elite programs and the lure of NIL deals is a challenging aspect that has made it difficult to lock down the state's top recruits.

USC certainly shouldn't need to limit themselves to recruiting local players, but the Trojans have one of the few luxuries in college football where they can fill the roster with elite talent by not having to hop on a plane. They should branch out, like they have this season where they six commits from the state of Georgia alone. But the reality is they are missing out on a ton of talent in their own backyard and their future success may depend on their ability to win the battle for in-state talent.

"Recruiting California is and will always be incredibly important to us and that is always priority No. 1," said USC coach Lincoln Riley. "My definition, our definition of recruiting California well is getting the right guys and I'm excited for our staff to continue building relationships inside the state, especially our defensive staff because some of those guys are obviously new."

Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Duce Robinson (2) runs the ball after a complete pass before he is stopped by Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley (6) in the second half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Trojans 2026 recruiting class in the state of California is shaping in a big way as they hold commitments from cornerback Brandon Lockhart, receiver Ja'Myron Baker, athlete Joshua Holland and athlete Madden Riordan. They are also listed as the favorites to land in-state prospects, five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, cornerback Ryan Sermons, running back Deshone Redeaux, offensive lineman Samuelu Utu, tight end Caleb Tafua and edge Simote Katoanga, per On3.

"USC was great," Sermons said after his visit in September. "It's always a good family environment. What excites me about my opppurtunity with the Trojans is the development aspect with the great coaching staff."

"Just the way the Trojans are bringing the atmosphere and not letting the Big Ten affect them and bringing that heat every game," Redeaux said after his visit in September visit." USC is a really good team this year and coach Riley is doing a good job."

USC will host a couple of more big recruiting weekends this season when they play Nebraska on Nov. 16 and Notre Dame on Nov. 30.

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