Chris Fowler: Lincoln Riley 'is going to do well' at USC

The Lincoln Riley era is underway at USC, and with the season and Early Signing Day behind him, the new head coach can work on filling out his 2022 class and building what is an already impressive 2023 class.

In recent years, talent-rich Southern California has seen an exodus of many of its best players. For example, Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, Clemson’s D.J. Uiagalelei and Georgia’s DT Daniels are all from the area. Riley is trying to end that pattern, and ESPN’s Chris Fowler believes he will be successful.

“I think he comes in, was obviously able to flip a couple guys,” Fowler said earlier this week on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “There’s value in being younger and hipper on the recruiting trail. That’s what Notre Dame sort of got when (Brian) Kelly leaves, and Marcus Freeman gets promoted, all of a sudden there’s a younger, hipper energy. There’s value in that in 2021 in terms of the recruiting climate. So I think Lincoln will do well at USC.”

While it is early, the Trojans currently have the top-ranked 2023 class in the nation according to the On3 Consensus Team Rankings. The class is highlighted by former Oklahoma commit, Southern California native and five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson whom Riley convinced to play for his hometown team.

This week’s 2022 class had six prospects sign on Early Signing Day, but the Trojans are still in the mix for the top player in California, Domani Jackson. He is choosing between USC and Alabama, and On3 has him trending in Riley’s direction.

Riley’s impressive offensive pedigree

While Riley is already notching top prospects, his recruiting abilities are not the only positive Fowler sees. Riley is an offensive guru.

“I think he’s a guy they feel like will make big upgrades in recruiting and make a difference on Saturdays,” Fowler added. “I think that’s what they’re looking for a lot of times in coaches who can call the plays, as he does, and literally make a difference during the game. A CEO-type coach is less able to do that, but Lincoln is the guy that runs the offense. For better or worse, it’s his show.”

The 36-year-old has been nothing short of elite on the offensive side of the ball since arriving in Norman in 2015. As the offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops in his first two seasons, Oklahoma averaged over 43 points per game, which ranked in the top-five nationally in both 2015 and 2016. He took over as head coach in 2017, and the Sooners scoring offense was ranked in the top six in the country every year from 2017-2020. Additionally, Riley coached two Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks in Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray plus Heisman finalist Jalen Hurts.