USC recruiting is back on track after revamping personnel office

Lincoln Riley
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC has come back to life.

Coach Lincoln Riley has done some phenomenal recruiting this offseason – and it had very little to do with top 2026 prospects.

The hiring of a recruiting department led by general manager Chad Bowden has rejuvenated the Trojans, how elite local prospects view the program’s direction and how much they’re talking about playing at USC again.

There is a legitimate front-office feel at USC these days in quantity and quality that could push the Trojans back to the elite of college football. It’s something of a birthright that USC is in the playoff conversation.

WHICH METRO AREA PRODUCES THE BEST HS FOOTBALL TALENT? YOU DECIDE

RELATED: USC stays hot with pledge from four-star RB Deshonne Redeaux


CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker


Bowden recently talked with Rivals about his vision for the program, how he and Riley are unified in their approach and what needs to get accomplished to bring USC back into the national title picture.

The transfer portal will be crucial for pieces but recruiting classes will be built through the high school ranks. And some of the best high school football talent anywhere is down the road from USC.

“The culture of what you’re ...

Save Story