Transfer Portal Issues Just Might Haunt USC, Riley

@ Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Coach Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans (6-6, 4-5) are teetering on the precipice, imperiled by an avalanche of departing talent. Since the Transfer Portal opened on Dec. 9, a rash of Southern Cal players have bolted, including some of the most highly regarded collegiate athletes in the country.

While other universities have been beleaguered by losses to the Portal, the departures at the hardest-hit schools are primarily attributable to coaching changes. But Riley still holds the head coaching position at USC and, as observed by Sports Illustrated: "There’s no doubt this is a terrible look for Lincoln Riley and the USC football program. Usually, teams only see this type of talent departure when a coach leaves, not when the coach is entering their fourth year at a prestigious program."

Accentuating the bad news for the Trojans, the talented Branch brothers—Zachariah and Zion—announced their entry into the Portal on Dec. 17, causing many Trojans supporters to question whether Riley has lost control of the program.

Fighting On No More

Since the portal window opened, 19 Trojans have entered, leaving the roster decimated. Among the most prominent players to part company with Riley and USC are:

• Miller Moss, quarterback

• Zachariah Branch, wide receiver

• Zion Branch, safety

• Duce Robinson, wide receiver

• Quentin Joyner, running back

As preps, these players were four- and five-star recruits. In the Portal, they are among the most coveted and highly-rated collegiate athletes.

After enduring a disappointing 2024 season, the departures of so many critical players signify that the USC program is headed in the wrong direction. During the first two Riley-era recruiting cycles, the Trojans signed four five-star players. None remain on the roster.

Riley's Days at USC Might Be Numbered

Criticism of Riley's player development, on-field coaching and player retention is intensifying. Per Sports Illustrated, "In the NIL and portal era, where players no longer have to sit out a season when they decide to transfer, roster retention has become increasingly difficult. And there is an argument to be made that no Power 4 program has struggled more to keep high-profile players than USC over the past couple of seasons, without losing its head coach."

Not only is there "a sense around the program that players are being underdeveloped," but that perception has tainted the Trojans' most recent recruiting class, with 14 players decommiting, including five-star pledges WR Jerome Myles, QB Julian Lewis and defensive linemen Justus Terry and Isaiah Gibson.

Unless Riley can turn the tide, both on the field and off, his days at Southern Cal might be drawing to an end sooner than later.