Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball
Locked On USC podcast is the daily podcast that keeps you ahead of the games and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the USC Trojans. Hosted by Marc Kulkin, a columnist for WeAreSC.com, the Locked On USC podcast provides your daily USC Trojans fix with expert opinions, film reviews, interviews with athletes and coaches, recaps, local analysis, and coverage of all things Trojans. From the thunderous roar of the fans at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum to skills on display at the Galen Center, and everywhere in between, the Locked On USC podcast...
USC Has Three Player Representatives Going To Big 10 Media Days: But No Quarterback
USC will be at the B1G 10 Media Days in a few weeks but there will be one player curiously missing; Elijah Paige, Makai Lemon, and Kamari Ramsey will be there with Lincoln Riley. The quarterback is the face of every program, and especially at a school like USC. I explore the reason(s) why Coach Riley chose not to bring his starting QB.
The Trojans have had some huge monumental recruiting wins so far. In the second segment, I list the biggest wins, and what they mean.
During the show's last segment, I answer q...
The Lessons USC Learned In 2024 Will Play A Significant Role In 2025
USC was close to being a 9-win team in 2024 and if they want to win 9 or more games in 2025, they'll need to learn lessons from their 1-4 record on the road. The Trojans held 4th quarter leads in every game but one in 2024 and very should have won at least 3 of the 4 they lost. I talk about which lessons Lincoln Riley and team can take away from losing so many close games in 2025, and how it will help them in 2025.
I believe the defense will be USC's strength this season, however, there are a couple of concerns...
Does USC Still Have A Top 5 Quarterback?
USC and Lincoln Riley should always have a top 5 quarterback, but last year's starter, Miller Moss, is at Louisville and one analyst believes Moss be one in 2025.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #top5 #defense #impact #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #pff,
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Big 10 SQUAD - How ANOTHER CFP Change Impacts USC Trojans
Big Ten flexes its muscles against SEC scheduling. Is a nine-game conference slate the future of college football?
Spencer McLaughlin and fellow Locked On hosts tackle the Big Ten vs SEC scheduling debate, predicting Illinois' football win total, and dissecting potential NCAA tournament expansion. The crew analyzes Brett Bielema's bold stance on conference parity and debates the merits of a 76-team March Madness field. Key matchups for Illinois, including showdowns with Ohio State and Washington, take center stage as the hosts weigh in on the Illini's chances for a breakout season.
Tune in for heated...
It's The Dead Period But USC's Recruiting Is Alive And Kicking
The recruiting dead period has taken effect until July 31st but USC's 2026 is alive and cruising into the summer needing just five more recruits to close out the class. The new recruiting calendar has moved things up quicker, including with the recruits making their commitments. The Trojans are so far ahead of everyone else that there's not much left to do.
USC is a sleeping giant that is trying to wake up and win more games so they can improve the roster with better recruiting. It feels like USC is doing it backwards though. I explain in...
USC Has The No.1 Ranked Recruiting Class: But It Should Have More Blue Chip Elite Players
USC's No.1 ranked recruiting class is filled with the most elite blue chip prospects in this cycle but that doesn't mean it shouldn't have more. During the show's first segment, I breakdown how the class should be better and why it will be better if they win more games n the field.
The Trojans are known for having some of the best quarterbacks who have ever played; One of them was Sam Darnold. During the second segment I illustrate the parallels between Sam and Jayden Maiava.
In the 3rd segment, I talk about the advantages...
USC's Defensive Line Only Needs One Half To Prove How Good They'll Be
USC's defensive line is going to be so good they'll only need the first half of the first game to prove how good they'll be in 2025. The talent level and depth is better than its ever been and won't need long to prove it considering the early season competition.
The Trojans have the No.1 recruiting class and it's been fun watching them build the class after going 7-6 the year before. The only thing that has been more fun is watching the Oregon program flounder during the 2026 recruiting cycle. I have all the details and why USC...
USC Is Getting Closer: The 2026 Recruiting Class Is Almost Done Before July 1st
The Trojans 2026 recruiting class already has 30 commitments out of the 35 recruits who have taken their official visits to USC, which means it's close to being closed. Lincoln Riley hosted 10 recruits for their official visit over the weekend, and 9 of them were already committed to the class. I'll tell you who could be next and when it might happen.
USC's offensive line has a a couple of question marks but the schedule will the guys time to prepare for their first real test. I have some goals that I think the offensive line should strive for in its...
USC Gets Who They Want: Luke Wafle Took USC Over Ohio State & Penn State!
USC won the Luke Wafle recruiting war against Ohio State. and Penn St, strengthening its grip on their No.1 ranked recruiting class, while upsetting other fans bases. The Trojans are assembling potentially one of the best defensive line classes in a long time and I have all of the news & notes with how USC got Wafle.
Jonas Williams has the chance to be very special when he arrives at USC in 2026. On the last day of the Elite 11 Finals, Williams showed off why. In the 7 on 7 setting he went 18-22 and 7 TDs to lead the field of...
Big 10 SQUAD - How ANOTHER CFP Change Impacts USC Trojans
College Football Playoff negotiations hit a snag. Will the 2026 format be decided before kickoff?
Hosts dissect the ongoing CFP debates, exploring potential impacts on conference championships and automatic qualifiers. The conversation shifts to June's recruiting frenzy, with updates on Ohio State's methodical approach and UCLA's surprising Florida pipeline. Nebraska's 2025 win total predictions take center stage, as the panel analyzes the Cornhuskers' favorable schedule and potential for a breakout season under Matt Rhule.
Tune in for expert insights on Big Ten football's hottest topics and discover why Nebraska might be a dark horse contender in 2025.
You Can Smell What USC Recruiting And Elbert "Rock" Hill Are Cooking!
One of the main reasons USC has the No.1 recruiting class is the 2026 cycle is because of players like Elbert "Rock" Hill. On this episode I ask Rock why USC is the place to be.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #top5 #defense #impact #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #pff,
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USC Has One Of The Elite Quarterbacks & Another Huge Commitment On The Way!
Jonas Williams is competing in the Elite 11 Finals this week in Los Angeles, while others skipped the event, and the Trojans No.1 ranked recruiting class is getting another.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #top5 #defense #impact #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #pff,
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The Boys Of Summer Are Working At USC Getting Ready For The Fall
USC is on its summer break but the current football roster and future Trojans who are committed were on campus getting in some work, including summer classes. It's going to be a busy week on USC's campus with recruiting camps, PRP's for the players already enrolled and ready for the 2025 season, plus, more official visitors. I have all of the notes and some quotes from my day on USC's campus.
If you had to put together a list of the top 10 Trojan players from 2000 to the present, who makes your list and who doesn't? I have my...
Talanoa Ili Made It Official On Father's Day: He's Coming Home To Play For USC!
Talanoa Ili is the top linebacker on the West Coast and he used Father's Day to celebrate and let everyone know he's coming home to USC to play his college ball. I have all of the notes, quotes, and personal insights after attending his announcement in person, including some observations that the camera did not catch.
After talking about Talanoa for the first two segments, I wrapped up the episode with some suggestions for Lincoln Riley with 75 days left to go before the Trojans kick off their 137th season of playing college football.
#usc #uscfootball...
USC's QB Recruiting Is In Perfect Shape!
USC's 2026 quarterback recruiting is in a great place with a chance to secure two elite QBs in the same class; Jonas Williams is already in and Ryder Lyons is ready to make a decision. I have the latest on the the quarterback recruiting chatter in the 1st segment.
Who will be the face of USC's defense in 2025? I make the case for three players in the 2nd segment.
And every Friday I wrap up the week with a Friday Rant. This week's rant has to do with the lack of respect and why so many...
Big 10 SQUAD - How NCAA, House Settlement Impacts USC
College football's landscape shifts dramatically with NCAA's game-changing settlement. Will player payments reshape team dynamics and recruiting strategies across the Big Ten? Hosts dissect the settlement's far-reaching implications, from potential roster size changes to the evolving role of NIL collectives. The conversation heats up with bold predictions for the upcoming season. Big Ten insiders Spencer McLaughlin and Craig Shemon offer unique perspectives on how top programs might adapt to these seismic changes.
USC 2025: Is The Pressure Turning Up Or Down For Lincoln Riley?
Lincoln Riley is entering his 4th season as Trojans head coach and there is pressure on him to win more games in 2025. There is one game that can release the pressure. USC has no excuse not to be 4-0 when they head to Illinois and many anticipate the Fighting Illini to be undefeated as well. This could be the game that determines the way the rest of the season turns out.
Which player at every position group is your under-the-radar guy who will come out of nowhere and make someone say, "Where did he come from?" I...
USC Recruiting Is Moving Forward: Who Gets The Last Spots?
USC's recruiting class is 80% complete and expect two more commits soon, one of them, Talanoa, Ili on Fathers Day. That's means there will be 5 spots left to get to 35. I have the remaining names USC will be focused on, as well as the strategy to finish the class.
Did you know that Lincoln Riley has the 10th best QB in the conference? In the 2nd segment, I try and explain why Athlon's Big 10 Conference position group rankings are the worst so far this offseason.
The show wraps up with some of the best plays in U...
USC Is A Trojan Family: Is That Going To Be Enough For Talanoa Ili?
Talanoa Ili will no longer take any more official visits and will play college ball in L.A.; Ili said he will choose between USC and UCLA on Fathers Day, June 15th. It's a USC vs UCLA battle for the best LB in the west, and both schools are using the "Family" approach. I have all the details in the first segment.
Is USC's offseason too good to be true considering their past two years on the field? It's hard to find too many negatives since Lincoln Riley's Trojans went 8-5 and 7-6 respectively. But that hasn't s...
USC Has Another Commitment And One More Recruiting Advantage
USC's No.1 rated recruiting class picked up another commitment coming out of the first week of official visits, and the Trojans have one more NIL advantage to use going forward. The Trojans got a commitment from one of the best defensive backs in the country, while then the courts determined that revenue sharing will start on July 1st. I have all of the Trojan news and notes from the winning weekend.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #u...
Locked On's Top 100: How Many USC Players Make The Cut?
The Locked On Network is preparing its first ever Top 100 players list to be debuted in July. I have six Trojan names that I submitted for consideration. During the show's first segment, I'll tell you why these six names deserve consideration, plus I also offer the next four names on USC's Top 10 players on the roster regardless of position.
In the second segment, I have a bunch of notes from the team's first week of summer workouts with S&C Coach Trumaine Carroll before I transition into some recruiting and official visitors news.
Every week...
BIG 10 SQUAD - Where USC, Lincoln Riley Rank in Recruiting
Big Ten recruiting heats up as top coaches vie for 2026 talent. Will Washington's defensive upgrades translate to more wins next season?
Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad analyze college football's recruiting landscape, spotlighting the conference's best talent hunters. The hosts break down 2026 class projections for powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and USC, exploring how NIL deals are reshaping recruitment strategies. Washington's defensive overhaul takes center stage, with Roman Thomas highlighting key additions to the Huskies' secondary and front seven. The crew debates Washington's win total for the upcoming season, dissecting crucial matchups against Big...
USC Class Of 2026 Commit Esun Tafa: “I Felt Something Special There.”
USC's 2026 offensive line class is big, deep, and talented; Esun Tafa is one of them. The top offensive line prospect from Utah joined the shout talk about why USC is the place to be.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #top5 #defense #impact #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #pff,
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Chase Deniz Grew Up A Bruin But Picked USC After One Visit!
Chase Deniz was raised in a UCLA house but the class of 2026 offensive lineman from San Diego needed just one visit to USC's campus to convert him a make him a Trojan for Life. Chase is one of the biggest commits in the class and we talk about his recruitment and everything else with his decision to put on the Cardinal & Gold.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #top5 #defense #i...
Lincoln Riley, Year No.4: Is USC Close Or Are They Ready?
Heading into Year No.4 in the USC Lincoln Riley era the question is, are the Trojans close or are they a year away from competing for a conference championship. In the first segment I detail why the 2025 Trojans are ahead of schedule and ready to compete at the top of the league.
Coach Riley said he needs to trim some fat off his quarterback if he wants to play to his best potential. I detail what what USC's head coach meant in the second segment.
The show's final segment talks about USC's NIL and why...
USC's 2026 Recruiting Class Has Everyone Upset
USC's No.1 ranked 2026 recruiting class secured a massive commitment from the country's No.1 TE, Mark Bowman and it has teams from the SEC upset about. I explain why the Trojans are keeping everyone home this recruiting class and why other programs are upset.
Now that the month of June is has started, so will the official visits. In the second segment, I have the latest news and notes on who is coming and might be next to commit!
Thee show's third segment wraps up with a story of USC's social media team trolling the Oregon f...
USC's Schedule Has Some Clarity: The Trojans Have 5 Kickoff Times Set
USC fans now know the kickoff times for 5 of their 12 games in 2026, including their first three games, the game at Notre Dame, as well as a Friday night in L.A. The Trojans will play back to back weeks in LA before playing at Purdue, and then later in the season they'll host Northwestern on a Friday night.
The Trojans class of 2026 has had a ton of momentum and they have picked up some more. In the 2nd segment, I'll tell you which No. 1 player at his position is trending towards USC, and away from Georgia and...
BIG 10 SQUAD - Which SEC Team Makes the most sense for USC?
USC Trojans football is on the brink of a pivotal season. Can Lincoln Riley lead them to a 9-10 win season? With the college football landscape shifting, the Trojans face potential SEC vs Big Ten matchups, and the stakes have never been higher.
Join Spencer McLaughlin and a panel of experts, including Mark Culkin and Jacob Goins, as they dissect USC's upcoming challenges and the evolving college football playoff format. The discussion covers key figures like Lincoln Riley and Greg Sankey, while exploring the implications of cross-conference games and playoff changes.
Will the Trojans rise...
Madden Riordan Was Committed To USC Before He Was Offered
Madden Riordan has been committed to USC's class of 2026 since November of 2023, some might say he was a Trojan before he was even offered. On this episode of Locked On USC Madden talks about his recruitment, why he chose USC, as well everything else Trojan fans want to know from one of the best safeties in the country.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #top5 #defense #impact #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #p...
USC vs Michigan State Crossover: Who Got Better This Offseason?
The Trojans and Spartans will go to war in September. So while the game is still 4 months away, it's not too early to have a crossover and talk and talk with the enemy. Locked On Spartans host, Matt Sheehan and myself got together to discuss what each program did during the offseason, and was it enough to improve on what they did in 2024.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #top5 #d...
USC's 2025 Roster: Who Has Star Power?
USC was built on star power and it's looking to build some more in 2025. The defense took a big step in 2024 and the stars need to take the next step in 2025. D'Anton Lynn's side of the ball has some names to lean on this season, but which ones will become stars? I have a list of names in the first segment.
In the second segment, I explain how Jacobi Lane and Makai Lemon can take the pressure off the other wide receivers making the room even better. And I wrap up the show celebrating USC Baseball's return...
The USC Commits Have One Message: It's Time To Shut It Down!
USC's 2026 recruiting class is pacing the field and once the recruits commit they're sending a message to rest that of the guys that it's time for them to shut it down too. Over the weekend USC got the news that big Jaimeon Winfield is shutting his recruitment down and will only take his official visit to USC. Others that have shut it down include Shahn Alston, Brandon Lockhart, Esun Tafa, and Keenyi Pepe.
Everyone has an opinion on what USC needs to do if they want to win the B1G Conference, including other coaches who like t...
USC & Notre Dame: One Rivalry, Two Perspectives
There is one thing Locked On USC and Locked Irish agree on; The greatest intersectional rivalry in college football history needs to continue no matter what. On this important crossover episode Tyler Wojciak joins me to talk about the rivalry, it's impact on both programs,, and ways to keep the rivalry going as the new college football playoff landscape gets worked out.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #top5 #defense #i...
How USC Got The No.1 Recruiting Class So Quickly
USC has the No.1 recruiting class for 2026 and the official visit season is still a couple of weeks away. Brian Smith from The Portal Show offers some reasons why. The Trojans are in the pole position and the only question is, will they be able to hold on or will the class come back to earth as we get closer to signing day?
Plus, Brian joins me for the Friday Rant. This week we take our turn telling USC and Notre Dame to figure it out and extend the greatest rivalry in college football.
#usc...
BIG 10 SQUAD - How changes to College Football could impact USC Trojans
USC and Notre Dame's storied rivalry faces an uncertain future. Could this be the end of an era in college football? Dive into the potential shake-up in NCAA governance and its implications for teams like the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Ohio State Buckeyes. Spencer McLaughlin, alongside guests Roman Tomashaw and Zach Seiko, explores the impact of a proposed 40-team playoff and the controversial noon kickoffs for Ohio State games. Key figures like Matt Rule and P.J. Fleck are at the center of these discussions, with insights into Minnesota's win total predictions and the potential for a relegation model...
USC Has The No.1 Class Because Of The Defensive Side Of The Ball
The Trojans still have the No.1 recruiting class despite losing its highest ranked recruit, and it's because of the way USC is recruiting on the defensive side of the ball. The Trojans have 30% of the best committed defensive linemen on top of owning 30% of the best defensive backs who are already committed, and the official visits haven't even started yet.
Lincoln Riley's own words will come back to haunt him if the USC/Notre Dame rivalry comes to an end. I have his words on why the series should continue if the B1G Conference gets guaranteed...
Why Does It Feel Like USC Is Losing It's Identity And Its Soul?
If USC allows its rivalry with Notre Dame to end, then Trojan Football will end up losing its identity and its soul and will have killed one more piece of college football. I have a lot more to say regarding USC's efforts to continue the rivalry and why Lincoln Riley needs to start swinging his bat and not look for a walk in the park type of schedule.
The Trojans will be hosting official visits in a couple of weeks, however, there is another prospect who won't be a part of the 2026 class. USC and Sam Utu...
USC Trojans Could End A HISTORIC Rivalry!
USC and Notre Dame have played each other 95 times but there's a chance the rivalry won't make it to 100 unless the Trojans' can agree to a new long-term deal. Lincoln Riley talked about the possibility last year during the B1G 10 Media Days, and the topic is coming up again nationally. I have my opinion on why this series cannot come to an end no matter what.
#usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #L...
MUST GET: USC Trojans MUST Get Vance Spafford & Madden Williams To Make The 2026 Class ELITE!
USC has one of the top recruiting classes in the country but if they want to make it elite, there are two players they must get. Two more local recruits are must gets. WRs Madden Williams from St. John Bosco, and Vance Spafford from Mission Viejo have their official visits lined up and I have some quotes from one of them following this past weekend's passing league tournament.
The Trojans are winning the offseason with recruiting, however, there are still some fans who don't like how Lincoln Riley and Chad Bowden are implementing the game plan. I...
At USC There Is Always More To The De-Commitment Story
USC is catching a lot of shade for their no visit policy but they're doing it because they don't want a repeat of last year. But what if USC didn't cause Xavier Griffin's de-commitment? I have new information that might have played a role in how things went down and why NIL is at the center of it.
Another preseason list was released and USC has two of the top 100 returning players in college football. I like the players on the list but I also have a list who should have made the cut too!
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