USC's Offseason Power Play Raises Stakes for Iowa Hawkeyes
Lincoln Riley is building something formidable at USC, and that should have the rest of the Big Ten on high alert. As the Trojans enter their fifth season under Riley, the pressure to deliver has never been higher. But based on their offseason moves, they seem ready to meet it head on.
For Iowa fans, this matters. The Hawkeyes fell to USC last season, and the Trojans are only getting stronger. If Iowa wants to compete for a Big Ten title, they will likely have to go through a USC team that just loaded up on talent.
Top Recruiting Class in the Nation
USC did not just recruit well this offseason. They recruited better than anyone in the country. The Trojans landed the number one recruiting class for 2026, pulling in 35 high school commitments.
The haul includes several elite prospects. Five star edge rusher Luke Wafle and five star tight end Mark Bowman headline the class. Four star cornerback Elbert Hill and four star defensive lineman Jaimeon Winfield add serious depth to the defensive side of the ball.
The Trojans addressed every position group. They brought in one quarterback, two running backs, six wide receivers, two tight ends, four interior offensive linemen, three offensive tackles, five defensive linemen, four edge rushers, two linebackers, four cornerbacks, and two safeties.
For a USC program still adjusting to the physical grind of Big Ten play, adding this kind of size and speed across the roster is a major statement. Riley is clearly building a roster that can compete not just in the conference, but on the national stage.
Veteran Experience Returns
Recruiting is only part of the equation. USC also brings back 15 starters from last season, which is more than any other team in the FBS. That kind of experience and continuity is invaluable in a conference known for its physical, punishing style of play.
On offense, quarterback Jayden Maiava returns alongside running backs King Miller and Waymond Jordan. The entire offensive line comes back intact, led by left tackle Elijah Paige and center Kilian O'Connor. Wide receiver Tanook Hines provides a reliable target on the outside.
The defense returns key pieces as well. Defensive tackle Jide Abasiri and defensive end Kameryn Crawford anchor the front. Linebackers Desman Stephens II and Jadyn Walker return to lead the second level, while cornerback Marcelles Williams and safety Christian Pierce bring stability to the secondary.
Maiava is the key returner. He has a real chance to become one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten after a solid 2025 campaign. If he takes another step forward, the Trojans could be dangerous.
Transfer Portal Adds Impact Talent
USC did not just rely on returning players and high school recruits. They also hit the transfer portal hard, adding several players who could make an immediate impact.
Wide receiver Terrell Anderson and tight end Tucker Ashcraft bring firepower on offense. Defensively, defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren, defensive end Zuriah Fisher, linebacker Deven Bryant, and cornerback Jontez Williams add depth and talent to a unit that needed reinforcements.
Combining returning starters, the top recruiting class in the country, and key transfer additions makes a strong case that USC had one of the best offseasons in college football.
The Big Question for Riley
Despite all the talent on paper, Riley still has to answer one critical question. Can he lead USC to the College Football Playoff?
Since arriving at USC, Riley has not reached the CFP. He made the Pac 12 championship game in his first season with Caleb Williams, but the Trojans came up short. Since joining the Big Ten, USC has yet to reach the conference title game.
Last season showed promise. The Trojans went 8-4 with wins against Michigan and Iowa. That was a step in the right direction, but it was not enough to silence the critics.
What It Means for Iowa
Here is the bottom line for Hawkeye fans. USC is getting better, and the path to a Big Ten championship is getting harder.
Riley has a brutal 2026 schedule that includes home games against Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State, plus road trips to Penn State, Wisconsin, and Indiana. If USC navigates that schedule successfully, they will be a legitimate national championship contender.
Iowa has its own work to do this offseason. The Hawkeyes need to close the gap, and fast. The Trojans are investing heavily in talent and experience, and the rest of the Big Ten cannot afford to stand still.
The pressure is on Riley to deliver. But the pressure is also on every Big Ten program, including Iowa, to keep pace with a USC team that is clearly all in on winning now.