USC Dominates ESPN's Top 50 Newcomers List
If the 2022 USC Trojans are going to make serious noise at a national level this season, a lot of the heavy lifting is likely to be done by players who did not suit up in cardinal and gold last season. USC’s success in the transfer portal this offseason has been well-documented.
Earlier this week, there was another reminder of just how much new talent the Trojans acquired this offseason. ESPN put together a list ranking college football’s top 50 newcomers.
Of the 50 players listed, seven are new Trojans.
Here’s a look at who made the list from USC.
No. 1 Quarterback Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams was ESPN’s No. 1 newcomer. And with good reason. No player drew more attention in switching schools this offseason. And no player has a chance to be more impactful than Williams if he can turn a 4-8 USC program into one that can compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
No. 2 Wide receiver Jordan Addison
As was the case with the On3 transfer portal rankings, Williams and Jordan Addison finished Nos. 1 and 2 in these rankings as well. USC lost a ton of production when Drake London left early for the NFL. Addison provided that and then some last season in winning the Biletnikoff Award. He’ll be WR1 for the Trojans this season and potentially the best player in the conference.
No. 11 Wide receiver Mario Williams
Mario Williams has been overshadowed by the arrival of Addison, but big things are expected from him as well. He finished No. 11 on the list. USC could put nine or 10 receivers on the field this season and feel good about all of them. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of role each carves out. But the Williams-to-Williams connection established at Oklahoma last year will absolutely continue in Los Angeles.
No. 14 Running back Travis Dye
Travis Dye was one of two transfer portal running back additions for USC this offseason, along with Austin Jones. The former Oregon Duck is the likely starter for the Trojans this fall and brings plenty of production and experience. USC lost two veteran running backs over the offseason and Dye was a much-needed addition as far as talent and leadership.
No. 23 Running back Raleek Brown
The first true freshman on the list for USC is running back Raleek Brown. But he’s also the fifth offensive player, illustrating just what an infusion of talent on that side head coach Lincoln Riley was able to bring in. Brown will likely collect carries, receptions and returns for the Trojans this year. He’ll have a chance to make a quick impact. Teammates have already been impressed by him early on.
No. 31 Linebacker Shane Lee
USC needs to replace last year’s leading tackles Kana’i Mauga in the middle of the defense. Enter Shane Lee, who looks to have the middle linebacker spot locked up. His impact also goes well beyond the field. Perhaps no player is more responsible for helping coaches institute the culture change from last year to this one more than Lee.
No. 43 Cornerback Domani Jackson
True freshman cornerback Domani Jackson is an interesting inclusion on this list. He’s coming off an ACL injury that cost him nearly his entire senior season. Jackson is back healthy now and going, but he wasn’t able to fully participate in spring ball. He’ll also need to jump a number of cornerbacks ahead of him if he’s going to see time this season. It would be a surprise if he pushes for a starting spot or sees significant time this year. But there’s just no denying his outstanding speed and athleticism. And the work ethic is there as well.
