Ending 7-6 wasn’t on the cards for USC when the season began. And it’s Lincoln Riley who’s facing the biggest pressure after leading the Trojans to an overall 23-13 coaching record. But like several other HCs in 2024, he’s building a roster that screams promises for the next season. Still, USC also suffered from key player losses that need immediate attention. And this time, it looks like the third-year coach knew where to seek the game-changing piece. 

USC just filled a gaping void with the hiring of their new TE coach, Chad Savage, who will also serve as inside receiver coach. But as pointed out on a new YouTube episode on USCJ LOST IN THA SAUCE PODCAST on January 8, Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are getting a huge bargain. The report stated, “A part of his signing class in the 2022 class, 2023 class, as well as the 2024 class, Savage has been the highest ranked recruiter in the Mountain West by 247Sports for three consecutive seasons.”

Chad Savage was the former recruiting coordinator and WR coach for Colorado State, meaning he’s a multi-level guy. While with Jay Norvell at CSU from 2022, he was a respected Mountain West coach who was known for developing his players to elites, including WR Tory Horton. Not only that, he has brought in some explosive players in the likes of 4-star WR Jordan Ross, among others. 

The video further stated that “Savage primarily recruits Southern California… He knows the landscape of the Southern California area. This is big. We just told our guys that we need somebody that really understands the landscape of California.” In 2022, he signed six players to CSU in and around Los Angeles.

That number shot up to 10 players in the following year and in 2024, the signing of Ross became the Rams’ highest-rated haul. And yes, this addition is very crucial, as Lincoln Riley lost some of his best players following an underwhelming season. 

Lincoln Riley’s transfer portal concern 

USC’s transfer portal exodus saw 21 players leaving Lincoln Riley. Among them are key players like WR Zachariah Branch, who contributed 823 yards and three touchdowns on 78 receptions and 87 yards and a score on 11 carries. The Trojans also lost QB Miller Moss, who entered the transfer portal to seek new opportunities, and safety Zion Branch, who joined his brother by transferring to Georgia. 

Lincoln Riley only has seven incoming transfers, but at least there’s a glimmer of hope for them next season. USC managed to compile the top 14 recruiting class for 2025 by signing 21 commits. Among them are two 5-star bluechip players—DL Jahkeem Stewart and QB Husan Longstreet, nine 4-star players, and 10 3-star commits. 

Now that Chad Savage is on board, we might see his recruiting magic transforming USC in the months ahead. This best not get jeopardized because Lincoln Riley has his job at stake.