Lincoln Riley identifies position battles still ongoing for USC

The USC Trojans are looking to bounce back in 2025 after a frustrating season last year. That’s made for an intense Fall Camp for head coach Lincoln Riley as he looks to put the best possible team on the field this season.

While some starters have now asserted themselves, there are other positions that are still open at USC. Recently, Riley dove into those position battles, breaking down some spots to watch ahead of the upcoming season.

“Yeah, there is,” Lincoln Riley said. “I think running back, we’ve got quite a few there that can contribute.”

USC has a new look running back room. Both Woody Marks and Quinten Joyner have moved on, and Riley was forced to retool at USC. That included bringing in JUCO transfer Waymond Jordan and redshirt senior transfer Eli Sanders. Bryan Jackson, who was third on USC in rushing yards last season, is also set to return.

At wide receiver, USC seems relatively secure. However, Riley shared that there is still room for players to move around behind those receivers who have already solidified themselves.

“I think a couple of the receiver positions,” Riley said. “We know [Makai] Lemon is gonna play a lot. We know [Ja’Kobi] Lane is gonna play a lot. Kind of past that, we have some really competitive battles that at a few of the receiver positions right now.”

Throughout his time at USC, the defense has become a concern for Lincoln Riley. However, along the defensive front seven, Riley is confident. In particular, he highlighted the depth that the Trojans are bringing back to those spots.

“I know we’ve reference d-line a lot. I think that’s still across the board pretty competitive. I think [Eric] Gentry and [Desman] Stephens have separated themselves in the linebacker room as the clear-cut first and second guys. After that — I know that was kind of a concern of depth coming into this Camp,” Riley said. “But I would say one of the bright spots has been the play of Ta’Mere [Robinson] and [Elijah] Newby and [Anthony] Beavers. Then the two young boys at linebacker. I like our depth there. I’m just going to be figuring out who’s gonna play.”

Notably, Lincoln Riley also admitted that position battles may not be set before the start of the regular season. In fact, he’s going to keep evaluating certain position battles into the early stages of the season. Of course, beyond that, nothing is truly set in stone.

“So, those are the early ones right now that come to mind. But we’re gonna try to play a bunch of guys here early at several of these positions,” Riley said. “And get them some game reps and get a chance to evaluate those.”

The USC Trojans open the season on August 30th against Missouri State out of the FCS. They’ll then have another non-conference game against Georgia Southern before getting into Big Ten play.