WeAreSC 5/19/22: Down with divisions, Addison down to two schools, and NCAA changes scholarship guidelines
WeAreSC On3 is a daily three-point briefing recapping news and notes surrounding USC Athletics. Today, we take a look at the Pac 12 changing its championship game guidelines to eliminate divisions, a star transfer WR reportedly narrowing his list of schools down to two, and the NCAA changing its scholarship guidelines.
Down with divisions
On Wednesday, the Pac 12 announced that it will essentially eliminate divisions beginning with the 2022 college football season.
Previously, the Pac 12 North champion faced against the Pac 12 South champion for the conference title. Under the new format, however, the Pac 12 Championship Game will simply pit the two Pac 12 teams with the best records against each other.
The new format significantly increases the possibility of a Pac 12 Championship Game rematch. For instance, USC could potentially face off against a division rival, such as UCLA or Utah, for a second time in one year, this time with the conference title on the line.
Addison reportedly down to two schools
Yesterday, On3 reported that Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison, who is currently in the NCAA Transfer Portal, is down to two schools. According to the report, Texas and USC are Addison’s two finalists. Previously, Alabama had been under consideration as well.
As a sophomore at Pitt last year, Addison caught 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns. However, following the departure of quarterback Kenny Pickett and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, Addison elected to enter the Transfer Portal earlier this offseason. He visited USC this past weekend, with the Longhorns having already received a visit as well.
NCAA changes scholarship guidelines
Moving all the way up to the national level, the NCAA announced major changes to its scholarship rules on Wednesday.
Previously, football coaches were allowed to bring in a maximum of 25 new players—either high school signees or transfers—per year. However, this rule will now be eliminated, and coaches will be allowed to sign as many players in a particular year that they would like. The only caveat is that schools still have to remain under the 85 scholarship maximum.
This rule change is certainly beneficial for USC, which is currently undergoing a major roster overhaul. New head coach Lincoln Riley has already brought in nearly 20 transfers this offseason, and the new rules will allow him to sign even more without going over the NCAA maximum number of signees.
