While Jayden Maiava is the heavy favorite for QB1 duties, prized freshman Husan Longstreet showed his potential early. This puts the renown QB developer Riley in a relatively tough spot. Maiava handled the reins toward the end of 2024 and flashed his potential.

The USC Trojans need new leaders to step up for 2025. Lincoln Riley pinpointed one he especially challenged during Big Ten Media Days. And per Riley's words, this particular returner answered the bell immediately.

With the future of the USC-Notre Dame football rivalry uncertain, Trojans coach Lincoln Riley on Thursday expressed his desire to retain the game -- under the right circumstances.