Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball

It's time for the fanbase to respond as General Manager Chad Bowden delivers an impassioned “pack the Coliseum” message, warning that home field energy could be the difference-maker in the Big Ten. Marc Kulkin examines whether struggles with early-season attendance reveal deeper issues, from season ticket sales to the rise in rival fans snapping up seats for the marquee clashes with Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State. Are Trojan fans ready to reclaim their legendary home field advantage?

Marc also spotlights Lincoln Riley’s choices for the USC quarterback Mount Rushmore—Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Caleb Williams, and Rodney P...

Did USC's roster get disrespected after Phil Steele’s preseason All-Big Ten picks named just four Trojans—fueling talk of disrespect for Lincoln Riley’s high-powered offense. Are standout talents like Elijah Page and King Miller being overlooked, and is the national media underestimating USC’s returning depth in key positions? Marc Kulkin breaks down the snubs, dissecting questionable choices for quarterback, running back, and offensive line, while spotlighting Jayden Walker’s surprise nomination at linebacker.

The conversation heats up as Marc critiques Bill Connelly’s ESPN projections, grilling the logic behind Big Ten power rankings and high-stakes...

Trojan wide receiver legends spark fan debate—who claims the top spot from the past decade? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino rank the top ten USC wide receivers from 2016–2025, spotlighting stars like Makai Lemon, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Michael Pittman, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Drake London. They analyze clutch moments, iconic catches, and how each player shaped the Trojans’ legacy at “Wide Receiver U.” Did Taj Washington or Darius Rogers make the cut, and where does Jordan Addison land on the list?

Listeners get bonus insider info as Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino answer fan mail on USC’s recruiting s...

USC got the anticipated commitment from linebacker Dylan Wafle, adding grit and passion to their 2027 recruiting class as family ties and culture drive the commitment. Can the younger Wafle follow in his brother Luke’s footsteps and become a breakout contributor for USC’s evolving defense?

The conversation focused on the Wafle brothers' impact, USC’s top 10 moments of the past decade—including the thrilling Rose Bowl comeback over Penn State and Caleb Williams’ Heisman Trophy win—and addressed the program’s painful lows, like the 2023 defensive struggles and the crushing Cotton Bowl loss to Tulane. Key themes include...

USC is poised for a breakout Big Ten campaign—can Floyd Boucard anchor a dominant defensive front and propel USC back into conference title contention?

Marc Kulkin highlights Boucard’s emergence from underrated recruit to disruptive force on the line, dissecting CBS Sports’ projections and insider buzz. The show spotlights pivotal breakout candidates like Terrell Anderson, Jide Abasiri, and Alex Graham, and questions whether the Trojans’ revamped wide receiver room can replace lost production. The discussion heats up with a fantasy football twist: which USC legend—Brian Cushing, Ray Maualuga, Clay Matthews, or Taylor Mays—could best elevate this...

USC launched an aggressive recruiting blitz, stacking offers for the 2028, 2029, and even 2030 recruiting cycles. Can Lincoln Riley and his staff outpace rivals and secure the next generation of Trojan talent before the competition even catches up? Marc Kulkin highlights legacy prospects like Chauncey Washington II and top targets including Malakai Davis, Tyzon Swan, and rising cornerback Nate Dollard, as he breaks down recruiting battles brewing between, USC, UCLA and Ohio State.

On-campus news heats up as updates on Elijah Vaikona's physical transformation and Aaryn Washington’s unwavering commitment spark optimism for USC’s future on both sides of t...

Big Ten powers rally against Texas Tech over Brendan Sorsby’s controversial eligibility fight. As the Red Raiders attempt to play Sorsby despite NCAA regulations, Big Ten schools refuse all non-conference competition, igniting a heated debate about integrity, NIL chaos, and the role of judges in college football. Is this a Texas Tech scandal, an NCAA crisis, or a sign the sport is spinning out of control? The Locked On Big Ten Squad breaks down why Sorsby’s 9,000 betting violations set off a conference-wide backlash, if conferences—not the NCAA—hold the real power, and how coaches like Joey McGuire...

USC made history by appointing college football's first Director of AI, aiming to secure a high-tech edge under Lincoln Riley. Can artificial intelligence transform game planning, recruiting, and player development, or will human intuition always reign supreme? Marc Kulkin explores how Connor McQuiston’s role could redefine scouting and preparation, while breaking down USC’s ongoing quest to reclaim championship glory.

The spotlight shifts to recruiting as Mekai Brown earns his fifth star, boosting the Trojans’ 2027 class alongside fellow elite commits. Marc highlights rising prospects like Danny Lang and Quentin Hale, debates the impact of smaller class sizes...

The Trojans’ backfield surges, raising expectations for the 2026 season—can King Miller and Waymond Jordan Jr.. become college football’s elite one-two punch under Anthony Jones Jr.? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino unpack USC’s roster evolution, from the meteoric rise of Miller to new questions at running back and the impact of injuries on both the offensive and defensive lines. Jayden Maiava's development and the growth of the D-line room also take center stage as the Trojans chase Big Ten dominance.

Recruiting strategy gets a modern overhaul with Chad Bowden’s arrival as general manager, while support st...

USC is scrambling to lock down key recruits as official visit plans shift just days before a pivotal recruiting weekend. Crystal ball predictions for offensive line target Isaiah Bertola tilt in Cal’s favor after his positive Berkeley visit, raising questions about USC’s closing strategy. With only one offensive lineman committed for 2027, fans are left wondering: Can Lincoln Riley and Chad Bowden rally late and secure the targets needed to bolster the Trojans’ future?

The conversation focused on broader college football controversies, including Texas Tech’s quarterback gambling scandal and the resulting uproar over NCAA enforcement. A key th...

USC football faces a pivotal crossroads as Lincoln Riley’s five most defining decisions—including the arrival of Caleb Williams and the controversial retention of Alex Grinch—continue to shape the program’s trajectory. Can a revamped recruiting philosophy and new hires like Chad Bowden and Mike Ekeler finally push the Trojans back into championship contention?

Marc Kulkin breaks down how transfer portal choices have accelerated and delayed USC’s rebuild, and explores a changing recruiting landscape with high-profile commitments like Quentin Hale. The episode wraps with a dramatic look at USC baseball’s heartbreaker against North Carolina in...

The Trojans eye on a College Football Playoff berth depends on Jayden Maiava's rise among the Big Ten’s top quarterbacks. Can Lincoln Riley’s offense transform its identity and power the Trojans to 10+ wins? The conversation focused on USC’s must-have traits for postseason success—like finishing top 25 in rushing, forcing 25+ turnovers, and beating heavyweights Oregon and Ohio State at home.

A key theme that emerged was the hierarchy of influence within the USC program. The discussion explored the importance of Chad Bowden’s recruiting structure, Jen Cohen’s leadership, and Gary Patterson’s impact on defense, as we...

The Big Ten and SEC unite to push back against Congress’s sweeping plan to overhaul college football, setting up a powerful standoff that could reshape the sport’s future. With player compensation, playoff formats, and media rights on the line, can any legislation succeed without college football’s biggest powerhouses on board? The Big 10 Squad dissects the motives behind congressional intervention in NCAA sports, conference politics, and the relentless pursuit of media power. The crew shifts focus to Wisconsin Badgers football, debating whether Luke Fickell’s squad can clear a six-and-a-half win total and what’s at stake for his jo...

There are talks that the Trojans are eyeing a high-stakes non-conference showdown as rumors swirl about a home-and-home series with the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 2027 and 2028. Could Lincoln Riley face his alma mater just one year after a potential playoff appearance with USC? Marc Kulkin breaks down how Texas Tech’s bold scheduling ambitions and USC’s open slots could create a marquee matchup, boosting Trojans’ strength of schedule ahead of an expanded College Football Playoff.

Key insights include the historical rivalry between USC and Texas Tech, the impact on recruiting in Texas, and the ongoing uncert...

USC Trojans are setting bold expectations as Athletic Director Jen Cohen targets a College Football Playoff berth in 2026. With major pressure on head coach Lincoln Riley, the program is banking on high-profile hires like Gary Patterson and Mike Ekeler, a dominant recruiting class, and battle-tested returners to fuel a championship push. The alignment of new facilities, roster depth, and a stacked schedule against powerhouses like Oregon and Ohio State has fans hungry for a breakthrough season.

Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino break down what success looks like for USC Football, the impact of Chad Bowden’s revamped fr...

The Trojans football got some potential unexpected recruiting drama as top offensive line target Isaiah Bertola delays his commitment, prompting Lincoln Riley’s staff to extend a late offer to Thurman Lyles. Will Bertola still choose USC, or could rivals Cal, BYU, or Texas sway him away? Recruiting strategies and the need for a reliable plan B take center stage, adding intrigue to an otherwise steady recruiting cycle.

Marc Kulkin breaks down the Trojans baseball team’s dramatic path back to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time in 21 years, powered by elimination game heroics, clutch perf...

Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava claims he hasn't accomplished anything yet—despite a strong 12-5 record and a standout QBR of 89.9. Is this mamba mentality the edge USC needs to return to championship contention? Marc Kulkin explores how Maiava’s relentless drive and commitment to a neutral mindset could fuel the Trojans’ playoff ambitions.

Lincoln Riley’s reputation takes a hit as Athlon Magazine ranks him just seventh among Big Ten head coaches, sparking debate over whether legacy or recent results matter more. Plus, USC baseball lights up the regionals with a stunning 14-3 rout over Texas A&M, keepi...

The Trojans are focused on a high-value target in their nearly locked-up 2027 recruiting class as the official visit season heats up. With 12 of 13 committed recruits on campus and all eyes on uncommitted priority target Isaiah Bertola, the Trojans aim to forge stronger team bonds and close commitments early—leaving little off-season drama for fans. Can “Coach Dog” and USC’s revamped recruiting approach land another key pledge before the June dead period?

Host Marc Kulkin breaks down USC’s evolving recruiting strategy, the impact of early commitments, and the risks of leaving few spots open for late-blooming prospects...

Big Ten football faces a seismic shift as talk of a 70-school “Super Mega Conference” heats up. Could college athletics see relegation like the Premier League, or will tradition—with teams like Ohio State, Michigan, and UCLA—hold firm amidst swirling changes? The panel breaks down the latest bipartisan Congressional proposal that targets NIL regulation, transfer portal chaos, and the Lane Kiffin rule for mid-season coaching exits—all set to upend the college sports landscape. The Big 10 Squad leads a spirited debate featuring bold super conference visions, calls for NIL salary caps, and challenges to schools: “stop being poor” and keep pace...

USC Trojans fans brace for frustrating kickoff times as the first four games land on inconvenient slots, fueling speculation that networks are putting TV audiences ahead of the Coliseum crowd. With matchups against San Jose State, Fresno State, Louisiana, and Rutgers spread across NBC, FOX, Big Ten Network, and CBS, Marc Kulkin questions whether game day excitement is being sacrificed for viewership metrics.

Marc provides a full breakdown of USC’s 2026 football schedule, ranking contests from easiest to toughest and analyzing key opponents like Oregon, Penn State, Indiana, and Ohio State. Recruiting insights highlight the Trojans’ cohesive 2027 clas...

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava faces fierce scrutiny as ESPN ranks USC’s QB room,Tier 2 despite Maiava’s big arm and vertical passing prowess. Can Maiava transform from a “very good” signal-caller into a true Heisman contender under Lincoln Riley’s guidance? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino break down ESPN’s recent “quarterback autopsy,” spotlighting Maiava’s strengths, decision-making under pressure, and the departure of key pass catchers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane to the NFL.

How will USC’s offense adapt to fresh weapons, and does the ranking expose a national bias, with Oregon landing in the same tier despit...

USC football faces a pivotal crossroads: can Lincoln Riley silence doubters and deliver a breakthrough season, or is another “average” campaign looming despite a revamped roster and daunting Big Ten schedule? Marc Kulkin breaks down why the 2026 Trojans might be poised for 10+ wins—or risk stagnation—with Riley’s reliance on NIL, transfer portal moves, and a potentially Heisman-caliber quarterback in the spotlight. Are USC’s excuses running out, or will Riley prove he can win without a loaded cupboard?

The episode also spotlights USC baseball’s return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002, analyzing thei...

The Trojans surge into the 2026 season with sky-high expectations—will Lincoln Riley finally deliver a College Football Playoff breakthrough? With less than 100 days until kickoff, national media and anonymous Big Ten coaches are bullish on the Trojans’ playoff prospects, ramping up the pressure on Riley and his newly fortified roster.

Marc Kulkin spotlights USC’s offensive improvements, including a dominant returning offensive line and stars like Jayden Maiava, King Miller, and Waymond Jordan. Defensive questions remain, but Gary Patterson’s arrival marks a culture shift towards accountability and toughness. Who will emerge as the featured back, and is Maiav...

USC's 2026 roster is finally complete as Ethan "Boobie" Feaster, Roderick Tezeno, and Malik Brooks arrive on campus, setting the stage for the summer Player Run Practices and a new era focused on depth and player development. Can these fresh faces make an immediate impact, or will established talent hold the spotlight as USC gears up for another Big Ten run?

Host Marc Kuklkin spotlights key storylines, including PRP expectations, offensive line shakeups, and Jayden Maiava’s emergence as locker room leader. Insights on the physical transformation under Coach Trumaine Carroll, the defense’s evolution with Gary Patterson, and...

Big Ten power flexes threaten to upend the college football landscape as Tony Petitti’s playoff expansion push sparks fierce debate. Is a 24-team playoff format diluting the sport’s intensity or driving new rivalries and storylines? Greg Sankey and the SEC’s battle for influence, clashing philosophies, and shifting narratives keep college football fans on edge. The Big 10 Squad spotlights UCLA’s prospects under Bob Chesney and the over/under debate for the Bruins’ win total. Topics include playoff ramifications for rivalry games like Ohio State–Michigan and USC–UCLA, media power dynamics, and which commissioner holds true villain status...

Has Lincoln Riley finally built a Big Ten contender? The Trojans’ off-season and spring was ignited by Riley’s new approach—hiring defensive guru Gary Patterson and special teams expert Mike Ekeler, prioritizing physicality, and overhauling recruiting discipline with Chad Bowden’s decisive “no visit” policy.

Host Marc Kulkin spotlights Riley’s growth as a head coach, USC’s revitalized recruiting culture, and the roster’s increased depth and focus. Major talking points include special teams’ overdue upgrade, the calculated risk at safety, and whether this newfound confidence and structure signals an end to the Trojans’ rebuilding era. Can USC’s strengt...

USC shook up their 2027 recruiting class as four-star wide receiver Eli Woodard exits amid Miami's aggressive pursuit and USC's strict no-visit policy. Can the Trojans maintain their momentum at wide receiver, or does Woodard’s departure open the door for rivals to poach more talent?

Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino break down USC’s evolving recruiting strategy, spotlighting key names like Quinten Hale and Roye Oliver. The conversation tackles Chad Bowden’s no-visits rule, Miami’s NIL-fueled recruiting push, and whether USC should fill the open slot or save it for the transfer portal. Plus, a lively debate o...

Here's a scenario; the USC Trojans end up beating both Oregon and Ohio State with Coliseum victories—but finishes with a 9-3 record leaving the Trojans out of the College Football Playoff? Marc  probes this high-stakes scenario, weighing national perception, program legitimacy, and the sting of missing out despite signature wins. Can Lincoln Riley’s squad prove they're more than spoiler kings, or will inconsistency spark renewed frustrations among the Trojan faithful?

Other hot topics include whether USC has what it takes to become the face of the Big Ten, overcoming historic biases from legacy powers like Michi...

The USC Trojans landed another major recruiting victory as top California safety Gavin Williams commits, edging out rivals UCLA and Notre Dame. With the Trojans’ 2027 class now at 14 commitments, their dominance with in-state recruiting raises big questions—can anyone stop USC from reclaiming its reign as the West Coast’s premier football powerhouse?

Host Marc Kulkin analyzes why the upcoming USC vs Oregon matchup is a must-win, breaking down the recruiting battles, schedule advantages, and program momentum driving USC’s pursuit of the Big Ten crown. Key topics include the impact of Gary Patterson’s arrival, the strength o...

USC faces a defining moment as Lincoln Riley enters year five—can the program finally deliver on its high-stakes investment? Marc Kulkin outlines why a College Football Playoff berth is now the baseline for success, breaking down roster upgrades, elite recruiting classes, and key staff moves like bringing in Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator. With USC’s schedule set and top matchups against Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana looming, is it playoffs or bust for Riley’s tenure?

Key topics include Jayden Maiava’s expectations as quarterback, wide receiver talent turnover, defensive benchmarks for sacks and interceptions, and the...

Big Ten playoff chaos heats up as conference experts debate an ever-expanding College Football Playoff. Could a 24-team—or even 128-team—bracket reshape the landscape for programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Northwestern? The squad tackles whether playoff expansion erodes season value, impacts head coach job security, and opens the door for perennial underdogs to finally make a run. Who benefits—and who’s left scrambling—if postseason access grows at an unprecedented rate? The Big 10 Squad talks about Northwestern’s daunting 2026 schedule, win total predictions, Chip Kelly’s offensive impact, and Big Ten roadblocks that could make or break a season...

USC basketball is fully reloaded for a breakout season under Eric Musselman, boasting their strongest roster since arguably the 2001 Elite 8 run. Can top recruits Christian Collins and the Ratliff twins make an immediate impact alongside returners Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas, and Jacob Cofie? Musselman's aggressive use of the transfer portal brings in K.J. Lewis (Georgetown) and Jalen Cox, raising expectations for a deep NCAA Tournament push.

Marc Kulkin and Isaac Schade break down USC’s top-ranked Big Ten recruiting class, roster versatility, and lineup questions. The hosts debate the effects of NCAA Tournament expansion and whether US...

USC and Notre Dame reignite college football’s legendary rivalry—could their return shape the playoff landscape? Marc Kulkin sits down with LA Times USC beat writer Ryan Kartje to unpack the high-stakes negotiations bringing these powerhouse programs back to the gridiron. They explore how playoff expansion, recruiting battles, and the ever-present influence of donor money compelled both schools to resume talks, with the timing and terms of future clashes still up in the air.

Key discussion points include the fallout from the College Football Playoff’s memorandum favoring Notre Dame, whether USC was caught off guard in neg...

USC and Notre Dame refuse to let their century-old rivalry die as negotiations to resume their storied matchup intensify. With playoff expansion on the horizon, both programs face mounting pressure to boost strength of schedule and secure marquee games that keep them in national contention. Will the Fighting Irish’s willingness to move the game earlier in the season finally seal the deal?

Marc Kulkin spotlights how Lincoln Riley’s revamped coaching staff, top-tier recruiting classes, and fierce non-conference scheduling set the Trojans up for a postseason breakthrough. Key topics include the tactical importance of playing Notre Dame...

The Trojans are getting closer to a near-complete 2027 recruiting class, targeting elite prospects like Gavin Williams and Isaiah Bertola. Can Lincoln Riley and his staff outmaneuver Notre Dame, Cal, BYU, and Texas to secure California’s top talent and bolster their secondary with blue-chip defenders and offensive linemen? Key decisions in the next few week could define the Trojans’ future, leaving fans eager for news as the recruiting cycle nears its end.

Marc Kulkin breaks down the impact of early commitments, the shift to scouting 2028 and 2029 standouts, and why Friday night matchups—such as USC vs. Fresno State—...

USC stands to benefit as college football eyes a radical playoff expansion, but will the regular season lose its magic? Host Marc Kulkin and Musings By Arledge, author, Chris Arledge break down the proposed jump to a 24-team playoff, questioning if programs like USC and Notre Dame will face new scheduling challenges or see old rivalries, such as the iconic USC vs. Notre Dame clash, fade from tradition.

The conversation heats up with insights on the USC-UCLA rivalry, the impact of conference realignment, and why recruiting battles on the West Coast could shift dramatically under new leadership...

Big Ten football faces seismic changes as coaches push for a 24-team College Football Playoff and the elimination of conference championship games. Is the legendary exclusivity of college football evaporating? The Big 10 Squad debates whether expanding the playoff waters down the sport, how job security and coaching standards might shift, and if a January 25th national championship is simply too much. The crew breaks down Maryland Terrapins’ shocking 4.5 win total: can Mike Locksley’s squad exceed expectations, or is another disappointing season inevitable? Key talking points include playoff expansion, scheduling chaos, and the shifting stakes for Big Ten coaches and...

The Trojans surge in recruiting, continues as they eye a powerhouse 2027 class locked-in before summer even begins. Can Lincoln Riley’s squad secure the SoCal pipeline and outpace rivals like UCLA and others on and off the field?

Marc Kulkin and Scott Schrader dissect USC’s high-stakes commitments, spotlighting top prospects like Gavin Williams and the coaching staff’s bold helicopter visits. Key topics include the importance of locker room culture, standout performances at Sierra Canyon, and how Gary Patterson’s arrival reshapes the defensive strategy. Insightful updates on California’s recruiting battles, future star talent in the 2028 a...

USC Football got a major boost as the NCAA’s playoff expansion virtually guarantees Lincoln Riley’s squad an annual ticket to the College Football Playoff. Is reaching the postseason no longer enough—will Riley now be judged by deep playoff runs? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino debate how this shift changes expectations, what it means for high-profile programs, and how coaching contracts and recruiting priorities might evolve.

Recruiting takes center stage as USC’s 2027 class nears completion, with discussions on key targets like Gavin Williams and Drew Fielder. The hosts break down positional needs, recent reclassifications, and whet...

The Trojans are gearing up for a high-stakes 2026 season as national pundits rank their schedule among the toughest in college football—does it really matter for their playoff dreams? Marc Kulkin breaks down where USC stands among top contenders like Texas, Oklahoma, and Ohio State,, detailing pivotal matchups against Oregon, Washington, Penn State, and Ohio State at the Coliseum.

Position battles heat up as Marc also assesses the Trojans’ quarterback depth, defensive line upgrades, and lingering concerns at linebacker and safety. Listener questions spotlight USC’s recruiting resurgence in California, the impact of Chad Bowden’s strategy, and the...