When Lincoln Riley touched down in sunny SoCal back in late 2021, USC fans thought they had just secured the golden ticket. The man’s had a 55-10 record at Oklahoma, an offensive mind sharper than a Ginsu knife, and the swagger to match. And for a minute, it looked like they were. Year one? 11-3, a Heisman for Caleb Williams, and hope. But then? The sequels flopped.

USC went 7-6 in 2024, the defense stayed allergic to tackling, and suddenly, Riley’s Hollywood script was looking more like a box office bust. Now, he’s got one shot at redemption—and it’s riding on. The problem? One of the biggest flaws in his playbook just got put on blast by an elite target. And if this tiny leak is any indication, his redemption arc low-key might be in trouble before it even gets started.

After USC’s Junior Day, four-star DB commit Madden Riordan spilled the tea on Riley’s message to recruits: “He was heavy on recruiting SoCal and California big time and building the program through Cali kids and getting it back to national championship status.” That’s a shift. Riley’s been iffy when it comes to owning California’s recruiting landscape.

In fact, the last few cycles have seen out-of-state programs run through the Golden State like it’s a gold rush 2.0. Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State—they’ve been snatching up blue-chip Cali talent left and right. USC? Sitting at the table but not eating like they should. The word on the street: Lincoln Riley messed up with Cali’s high school coaches, but now he’s ready to fix that. If he wants a Natty, he knows he gotta tap into that local talent and build those connections right.

But now, Riley’s making a full-court press. The Trojans hosted 20+ of the best 2026 and 2027 recruits on campus, including six USC commits and a dozen four-stars or higher. Among them are top-tier in-state targets like linebacker Talanoa Ili, edge rusher Simote Katoanga, wide receivers Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, and offensive lineman Samuelu Utu. All California kids. All priority targets.

Lincoln Riley is getting big recruiting support from the athletic director

Riley isn’t doing this alone. USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen has been out here making power moves. Since arriving in August 2023, she’s beefed up the football program’s infrastructure like a boss. The latest flex? Poaching Notre Dame’s top recruiting minds.

USC already snagged Chad Bowden as their new general manager, but Cohen didn’t stop there. She just brought in two more elite recruiters from South Bend—Zaire Turner and Dre Brown. Turner, who ran Notre Dame’s player personnel from 2022-2024, helped the Irish land three straight top-12 classes. Brown, a former Illinois personnel director, worked alongside Bowden at Notre Dame, developing top-tier talent pipelines.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Zaire and Dre to USC,” Riley said. “They are both highly successful and impactful people who will make a big difference for Trojan Football. With these new hires, our administration continues its commitment to the growth of our program.” Translation: No more excuses.

USC now has the recruiting muscle to go toe-to-toe with the big dogs. Cohen ain’t playing. She’s thrown down every resource imaginable—upgraded facilities, defensive staff overhauls, and now, a recruiting dream team. Riley has all the tools he needs. If he still can’t get USC back to elite status? They’re gonna cook him.

This ain’t 2022 anymore. Riley’s no longer the shiny new hire with unlimited grace. If USC struggles again in 2025, the noise will get real. And let’s be honest—Trojan fans have zero patience for mediocrity. So, here we are. Riley is doubling down on California talent, stacking his staff with elite recruiters, and leaning on Cohen’s backing to get it done. The question is: will it work? Because if it doesn’t, USC’s redemption plan isn’t just in jeopardy—it’s straight-up dead in the water.