The news hit like a surprise twist in a movie plot: Miller Moss, USC’s once-promising quarterback, is leaving for Louisville. The move came with little fanfare but a lot of questions. Why would Moss—who had the potential to be USC’s next star after Caleb Williams—make the switch to the Cardinals? More importantly, what does this mean for USC’s future at quarterback? College football analyst Josh Pate had some sharp thoughts on the whole situation, and his take is one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Josh Pate didn’t hold back when talking about Moss’ move to Louisville. He gave a rare, brutally honest take on Moss’ potential, pointing out that the quarterback has yet to hit his full stride. “I think Miller Moss, I’m just telling you right now, I got a lot of respect for what our 247 sports folks do in the rankings. I’d have this dude a lot higher than 41st in the portals,” Pate said, acknowledging the disparity between Moss’ actual talent and his ranking. Moss, who had a solid stint behind Caleb Williams at USC, didn’t get the full opportunity to shine in Los Angeles. Pate believes that the lack of attention Moss got in the portal is a big mistake.

What really stood out in Pate’s analysis was his conviction that Moss hasn’t yet reached his peak. “Whatever Miller Moss’s maximum capability is, we haven’t seen it yet,” Pate stated, emphasizing that the quarterback’s best days are ahead of him. This is crucial because Moss’ raw talent was evident during his limited appearances at USC. A standout performance in the 2023 Holiday Bowl, where he threw for a bowl-record 372 yards and six touchdowns, left many thinking that USC might have just found their future leader. Guess what team the Trojans played in that bowl game? Well, none other than Louisville Cardinals.

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws a pass against the Utah State Aggies during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn ImagesNaturally, the Trojans faithful hoped for a smooth transition at the QB position when Caleb got drafted into the NFL. And it looked smooth as hell! Go back to that Week 1 performance against LSU. USC travelled away from home and beat an SEC powerhouse. To top it all, Miller Moss led the team in the dying moments of the 4th quarter to clinch the win. The Week 2 was great as well, but then Lincoln Riley’s men hit a roadblock, a familiar sight every week. Close games where USC would end up defeating themselves.

Now, in Louisville, Moss gets a fresh start under head coach Jeff Brohm, a coach known for developing quarterbacks. “Jeff Brohm and that staff will get it out of him,” Pate confidently said. Brohm’s success with quarterbacks like Jack Plummer, who led the Cards to their first-ever ACC Championship game appearance, and Tyler Shough, who threw for over 3,000 yards in a single season, shows that the coach knows how to handle a quarterback with potential. Pate believes that Moss, now in a system that has a proven track record of maximizing quarterback talent, is in the perfect place to unleash what he’s capable of.

This move is more than just a lateral transfer; it’s a statement. “This was a sneaky situation,” Pate said, hinting at the fact that Louisville’s quiet acquisition of Moss might be one of the offseason’s biggest under-the-radar moves. As the ACC conference begins to heat up and playoff implications start taking shape next season, don’t be surprised if Louisville is a serious contender—and Pate urges everyone to remember how they got there. “Just remember, quietly, Jeff Brohm and Louisville made a move and got their guy.”

Lincoln Riley and USC’s Quarterback Dilemma after Miller Moss

For USC, the departure of Miller Moss is a tough blow, especially considering their need for a future quarterback post-Caleb Williams. Pate’s words cut deep for USC fans: “Whatever Miller Moss’s maximum capability is, we haven’t seen it yet.” Moss had shown flashes of brilliance, but with Williams firmly in place, he was always going to be in the shadow. His departure raises questions about USC’s handling of their quarterback depth.

Moss was more than just a backup—he was the heir apparent, the next big thing after Williams. But in the world of college football, when you’re stuck behind a Heisman winner, opportunities are few and far between. Moss’ stats during his brief starting period in 2024—2,555 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions—show a player who could have been developed into a star, but USC never really gave him that chance. Instead, the Trojans now find themselves in a vulnerable position, searching for a quarterback who can keep their offensive juggernaut moving forward.

This is a turning point for Lincoln Riley and his coaching staff. They’ve built a program that attracts elite talent, but as Pate pointed out, losing a guy like Moss to a program like Louisville raises some concerns about Riley’s future QB decisions. Pate summed it up clearly: “This was a sneaky situation,” hinting that while everyone is focused on the big names and flashy moves, Louisville might quietly be doing the best job at snagging key players like Moss.