There’s a pulse in Los Angeles again—and it’s thumping to the beat of Kendrick Lamar and Kobe Bryant. Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans’ video team just dropped another cinematic masterpiece, this time spotlighting local stars like Makai Lemon and Anthony Beavers Jr., blending raw gridiron energy with the soul of the city. The message is clear: USC is leaning into its identity—culture, swagger, and grit. Riley, along with personnel head Chad Bowden, has flipped the narrative in SoCal. After a rocky couple of seasons defensively, the Trojans are flexing real momentum in 2026, sitting atop the recruiting mountain with the No. 1 class. But even with the stars aligned and the city’s energy behind them, there’s still business to be handled before spring closes.
The upcoming April transfer portal window is shaping up to be critical. And according to USC insiders, Riley’s next move could define how far this team goes in 2025. With 19 additions already in the bag this offseason, it might look like the roster is locked and loaded. But insiders say two spots still need urgent attention: linebacker and offensive tackle. USC analyst Marc Kulkin laid it out without hesitation. “It’s going to be linebacker and a little more depth—one more offensive tackle. Just for depth purposes,” Kulkin emphasized on ThePortal. For all the star power and youth in the building, it’s a matter of stability in the trenches and insurance on the second level. Both positions have upside, but not enough certainty.
Let’s start in the middle of the defense. USC runs a two-linebacker scheme under DC D’Anton Lynn, so the room doesn’t need to be overloaded—but what it does need is reliability. “I don’t think you’re going to see Eric Gentry and Desmond Stevens come off the field a lot. They’re good,” Kulkin noted. But therein lies the problem. Gentry, for all his length and instincts, has never played a full season. “I don’t want to say he’s injury-prone,” Kulkin added, “but every year he’s played, he’s had an injury that’s kept him out of at least one or two games per year.” Last season, a concussion sidelined him for eight games. And when he’s off the field, the drop-off is steep. USC has promising young backers, but there’s a clear gap between Eric Gentry and everyone else. Kulkin’s verdict? “That’s their most pressing need.”
Offensively, it’s not about overhauling—it’s about fortifying. Lincoln Riley and the staff have done a solid job stacking the trenches, bringing in five OLs in each of the last few classes. But while the interior line is built like a brick wall, the edges still raise eyebrows. “They’re pretty heavy interior offensive line,” Kulkin said. “It’s on the edges, at the tackle spots, where they could probably use one more experienced guy.” Elijah Paige has locked down the LT spot but behind him? Mostly underclassmen—first and second-year guys trying to find their footing. Kulkin put it simply: “You go find somebody who has experience… if they can earn a starter spot, great. But you just need a little more depth.”
no pLAce like home. pic.twitter.com/2fCsnuM8v2
— USC Football (@uscfb) April 4, 2025
Lincoln Riley seems to understand that urgency. After Tuesday’s practice, the head coach didn’t shy away from the impact of USC’s work in the trenches. “It’s a real battle at the line of scrimmage,” he said, grinning like a man who knows what he’s building. “It’s not two featherweights going at it. This is like two big cats in the ring—you kind of feel the punches of each one of them.” And what stood out most? “It’s not just one guy here or there… we can roll multiple groups in there and you continue to feel the same thing.” That’s a major shift from past seasons when depth on both lines was more hope than reality.
This physical transformation isn’t just happening behind closed doors—it’s being broadcast with L.A.-level flair. The hype video, blending King Kenny’s Grammy speech and Kobe’s iconic words, ties the city to the team in a powerful way. It features past and present Trojans who call Southern California home, including Drake London, who’s now catching passes in the NFL. The symbolism is impossible to miss: USC isn’t just recruiting for football.
Still, culture doesn’t win games if bodies start falling midseason. The Trojans are young, talented, and hungry—but if Riley wants this thing to hum through November and beyond, he’ll need to take one more dive into the portal. Two moves. One linebacker, one tackle. Because hype will only carry you so far if the engine runs out of oil.
Lincoln Riley says USC Recruiting is ‘Real Now’ — and the Class of ’26 is watching
After USC wrapped up its fourth spring practice — and second one in pads — on Tuesday, head coach Lincoln Riley opened up about what’s changed on the recruiting trail from just a year ago. And spoiler alert: it’s a lot. “I mean, a lot of things,” Riley said with a grin. “Staff’s different, got some different guys on the field. Obviously, the personnel department’s changed a lot — the group there’s doing a great job.”
But it’s not just about people. USC’s infrastructure is finally catching up to its ambitions. “That massive structure behind you right there is actually kind of real now,” Riley said, referring to the sparkling new facilities under construction. “So people come out here and see.”
That progress is already paying off — especially with the loaded 2026 recruiting class. “It’s a really good class across the country, but especially in Southern California, especially in L.A.,” Riley noted. “It’s a tremendous class… and these guys, they see the opportunity here and they see it collectively. It’s a pretty cool thing to watch unfold.”
USC’s building something special — and recruits are taking notice. Will it all work out? Only time will tell.
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