FOX's Bruce Feldman names top-2 legit candidates for USC opening

The talk of the college football world has been focused on the USC Trojans this weekend. Following their dismissal of Clay Helton, it started with shock and immediate reaction, and it’s turned to looking ahead at what’s next.

First, dream candidates like Urban Meyer denied interest as he focused on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Then, outside-the-box ideas like Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy denied interest as well.

However, Fox’s Bruce Feldman believes there are two legit candidates for USC above all. Today on Big Noon Kickoff, Feldman pointed them out.

“It’s really early in the process right now,” said Feldman. “But a couple of guys I think will emerge as legit candidats — I would start with James Franklin of Penn State.

“He worked wonders at Vanderbilt. Brady [Quinn] was just talking about the recruiting part of this. James Franklin really reenergized Penn State. They have one of the top recruiting classes in the country right now. Keep in mind — he has a really good job, but there’s way more talent a two-hour drive from USC than there is from Happy Valley. Also, there’s no Ohio State in the Pac-12 South.”

USC Opening: Feldman’s Other Legit Option

In addition to Franklin, Feldman named Iowa State’s Matt Campbell his other legit option for the USC job.

“The other guy I would say to keep an eye on is Iowa State’s Matt Campbell,” said Feldman. “Look, he’s got them a top ten program, that’s the highest they’ve ever been — but can he take Iowa State higher than he is right now? That’s a big question. 

“And as Brady [Quinn] was talking a minute ago about development. USC, that’s been a huge issue with them. This guy (Campbell) has shown he can really develop players.”

Alas, if USC can convince either James Franklin or Matt Campbell to leave their respective schools, it would be a home run hire for the Trojans.