Lincoln Riley’s USC is feeling the heat after a rough season in Southern California. The #FireLincolnRiley movement is catching fire, and it’s more than just his struggles in big moments. Fans are frustrated with his recruiting, especially his misses in the transfer portal. In today’s game, losing out on top talent can sink a program fast. But in the 2026 class, Riley is showing some fight. And USC holds the No. 2 spot nationally, proving he can still bring in star power. One top defensive commit has stayed locked in from day one. But Riley can’t relax—nothing comes easy in college football.

The top defensive prospect? None other than a four-star defensive end from Gainesville, Xavier Griffin. He committed to USC in July 2024 and never wavered. At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Griffin is a beast in the making. Ranked No. 21 in the ESPN Junior 300 for the 2026 class, he’s a name every recruiter knows—and every offense fears. As a defensive weapon, he can drop back, rush the passer, and dominate the run game.

As of now, SEC and Big Ten giants weren’t backing down. Florida State, OSU, and Clemson all made their move. They visited. They pitched and pushed. But USC had the edge. Looks like a million-dollar play sealed the deal. And Riley’s gamble paid off.

Xavier Griffin’s family took notice, especially his uncle, Brandon. He saw USC’s $1 million investment in GM Chad Bowden as a game-changer. “Listen, man, USC has put themselves at the forefront of the new game that we’re playing, right? College? Man, it’s the same football, right? But it’s different because you have to have the right leaders in place to be able to teach these young men the game at a very high level, right? If you’re looking for strong, fast players, you have to have coaches, man, that have that same mentality,” said Bradon.

So, according to Griffin’s uncle, USC has found the right man to make the right moves. Praising Chad Bowden, Brandon said, “Chad is—he’s very interesting, to say the least. But he’s smart. You feel the energy. Man, when I say big energy, I mean it.” But thanks to Griffin’s visit to USC, Brandon had the chance to meet Bowden one-on-one and get a real feel for the GM. And what did he notice? “Chad is relatable, but not too relatable. He’s respected, for sure. Chad knows the game, especially with his experience at Notre Dame.”

And being a native of Chicago, Griffin’s uncle sees South Bend clearly—Notre Dame’s culture is on the rise. A national championship finalist, all of it showcasing Chad Bowden’s professionalism. “In a general manager position, he’s cool, man.” With Bowden at the helm, there’s a glimmer of hope for Xavier Griffin to be a Trojan. The stars are aligning, and it’s looking more and more like USC’s future just got a lot brighter.

But the big question still hangs—was USC’s million-dollar move truly worth it? To understand the answer, look no further than Notre Dame’s rise under Chad Bowden. His impact there speaks volumes. If he can replicate that success at USC, the Trojans might just be sitting on a goldmine.

Lincoln Riley’s GM’s track record

Chad Bowden’s rise at Notre Dame was nothing short of impressive. Over four seasons, he climbed the ranks from defensive recruiting coordinator to defensive director of recruiting, eventually earning the title of director of recruiting in 2022. His success didn’t stop there—he was promoted to general manager in March 2024.

During his tenure, Bowden played a key role in building four consecutive Top 12 recruiting classes from 2022-2025. His impact was felt in the transfer portal, too, landing Notre Dame the No. 15 class in the On3 2024 CFB Transfer Portal Rankings. Bowden’s track record speaks for itself. Now, USC is hoping to see that same magic unfold.

After joining USC, Chad Bowden couldn’t hide his excitement. “My wife, Ava, and I couldn’t be more grateful and excited to join the Trojan Family,” he said. “Jen Cohen, Lincoln Riley, and USC’s total commitment to excellence make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Bowden sees the potential. “This is a place with the resources, facilities, and support to build a perennial winner.” To be honest, he’s ready to get to work and bring more national championships to USC. The Trojans have a leader who’s all in, and Bowden’s vision is clear: greatness is just getting started.

So, Riley couldn’t hold back his excitement and stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Chad Bowden to our staff. His impressive track record in recruiting and roster management is recognized nationwide.” Now, let’s see where Lincoln Riley’s USC goes in 2025 with their new GM.