Lincoln Riley Sends Message on ‘Overshadowed’ USC 2025 Class initially appeared on Athlon Sports activities.
The USC Trojans created fairly the hoopla with their 2026 recruiting class. That group nonetheless ranks inside the highest 5 nationally. Plus held the No. 1 spot all through the spring earlier than Georgia grabbed the highest in July.
However is the 2025 USC class Lincoln Riley put collectively simply as stacked? And why does it really feel like that class is overshadowed by the ’26 group?
Riley obtained requested the burning query about his ’25 freshmen at Large Ten Media Days. He is aware of the eye nationally is concentrated on the loaded 2026 group — which options prized five-stars Keenyi Pepe (sort out) and Mark Bowman (tight finish). Plus contains former Oregon four-star commits Jonas Williams (quarterback) and Tomuhini Topui (defensive lineman).
However the incoming four-year head coach at USC fired off this message about his incoming first 12 months CFB gamers.
“Effectively, I feel that we’re on the point of get our alternative to show that proper now,” Riley stated by way of 247Sports when requested why the nation should not sleep on the ’25 class. “I feel there was a lot pleasure in regards to the ’26 class, and in some methods, perhaps publicly, it is overshadowed a few of these guys.”
Riley, nevertheless, is not wavering from displaying confidence within the class earlier than the ’26 crew.
“However I feel when you see these guys get on the sphere, when you watch ’em play this season and past, I do not suppose that may exist as a lot. We’re very pleased with that class,” Riley stated of his 2025 members. “Thankfully for us, a number of of these guys have been in a position to are available midterm, be part of spring observe, and positively there are a handful…greater than a handful, a lot of gamers in that in that ’25 class, which have a chance to impression us in a really constructive method shortly. So wanting ahead to unveiling these guys this fall.”
Two already made waves throughout spring practices. 5-star quarterback Husan Longstreet pushed Jayden Maiava for QB1 duties. Riley himself acknowledged competitors stays within the QB room. Jahkeem Stewart is the second ’25 freshman who impacted instantly. And figures to crack the defensive position rotation this fall.
USC landed 25 signings within the final cycle. 4-star tackles Alex Payne and Aaron Dunn helped comprise this class too. Identical with four-star defensive again additions Trestin Castro and Alex Graham. The Trojans ranked thirteenth for 2025 by 247Sports.
This story was initially reported by Athlon Sports activities on Jul 25, 2025, the place it first appeared.
