A little over 3 years have passed since players were allowed to receive payment for their NIL in July 2021. Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans are still attempting to understand how to function in the constantly evolving world of collegiate football. But, other programs have somewhat achieved success in the NIL era. Because of the sport’s addition, roster turnover has become challenging, and the transfer site is getting busier each time.

Since the portal opened last Monday, December 9, USC has already lost 19 prospects, including Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson. The two receivers were once 5 stars in the 2023 recruitment class. In addition, nine of the eleven athletes the Trojans acquired in the 2022 and 2023 campaigns from the Rivals100 potential have since transferred. It appears that Lincoln Riley can only be saved from these gateway losses or an NIL budget by adopting Jim Harbaugh’s motto.

What is Jim Harbaugh’s mantra?

Joel Klatt of FOX joined Colin Cowherd in a recent episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd to talk about USC’s loss to the transfer portal. At that point, he shared Jim Harbaugh’s mantra. Joel believes that Lincoln Riley’s issue can only be resolved in this way. Consequently, he said, “USC right now is spiraling, and that’s a dangerous place to be. Cuz when you lose momentum, it’s almost impossible to get it back. One of the few examples that I’ve ever seen in college football history where a coach and a program lost total momentum and got it back to the point where they could go win a National Championship.”

Michigan was the example, according to Klatt. He continued by saying, “Just a couple of years ago, in the co-year, they wanted to fire Jim Harbaugh, and all of a sudden, it was this miraculous turnaround into the point where they ended up winning a National championship.” Yes, Harbaugh guided the team to three straight Big 10 League titles, including spots in the CFB Playoffs in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, the squad won its first national title since 1948 and the college’s first since 1997 under Jim. An absolute miracle!

Therefore, Lincoln Riley has a chance to regain his momentum as well. If you’re unaware, Riley’s current 6-6 record makes this season look pretty horrible. Additionally, it might be a contributing factor to their transfer loss. Then, what is the Trojans’ current recruitment situation under Riley?

Lincoln Riley’s difficulties in recruitment at USC

What’s Riley’s biggest issue? Failing to create draft-caliber players while recruiting. Colin stated plainly, “They don’t have good enough talent.” According to Colin, “What I’m hearing is he’s alienated LA high school coaches. Their LA recruiting stinks. So USC is trapped here. They can’t buy him out.“. USC’s squad is now a shell of its past brilliance due to a severe lack of draft-worthy athletes, poor TEs, and RBs who can’t even sprint 6 yards without getting crushed.

The defense side is considerably worse, and the offensive line is struggling without Elijah Paige, their left-hand tackle. In the talent-rich city of Los Angeles, recruiting ought to be easy, but Riley’s allegedly chilly interaction with the HS coaches there has hindered the way they recruit. The hits continue to come. Colin went on to say, “They have one nice draftable running back in three years—he’s leaving.” In defense? Only a few with NFL potential. So, you can get the recruitment conditions of Trojans under Lincoln.

As of now, losing games is only one aspect of USC’s situation; another is losing their identity. The head coach was meant to bring the magic of Oklahoma to Los Angeles, but the Trojans were mired in disappointment instead. With a huge contract, poor recruitment, and a coach who doesn’t seem to want to change, USC is faced with the unpleasant fact. That rebuilding may take more than time—it may require a miracle, or the coach must leave. Let’s see what transpires.