JD PicKell: Reasonable expectations for USC, Lincoln Riley in 2022

USC’s offseason led to a complete power shift in college football. The addition of new head coach Lincoln Riley and the acquisition of talent from the transfer portal in players like quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Jordan Addison have flipped the script on the Trojans expectations this year.

They’re immediately going from a 3-6 year to College Football Playoff expectations. To some, though, those goals may be too lofty for Riley’s first run in Los Angeles. One who sees it that way is On3’s JD PicKell, who provided a different perspective on what the Trojans should be aiming for this season.

USC should have REASONABLE expectations in 2022

Here’s why:@On3sports /@On3USC pic.twitter.com/SqGenNzqSz

— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) June 15, 2022

“(You have) a lot of people clammoring for the College Football Playoff. I’m here to say let’s pump the breaks for a half a second,” said PicKell. “The College Football Playoff would be amazing. I think it’s attainable in years to come with Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley continuing their marriage, but in this coming season?”

PicKell notes the offensive firepower that USC will bring to the table. Riley’s Oklahoma teams lit up the scoreboard with an average of 43.5 points per game over five seasons in Norman. Williams, Riley’s last signal caller at OU, will be key in carrying that offensive success over. Adding in the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner Addison along with weapons like Mario Williams and Travis Dye should help keep the scoring just as potent.

Although explosive on paper, PicKell believes their focus should first and foremost be on Pac-12 success. The current wide-open nature of the conference leaves a spot ripe for the Trojan’s taking. While they’ll have their opportunity for national success, PicKell thinks this is their best path for first-year success.

“If USC could win the Pac-12, that would be phenomenal. I also think it’s very doable for where the conference is right now. It’s not really deep. USC has a super loaded roster, especially on offense. If they can put it together and win the Pac-12, that would be a great season for USC,” he said. “It’s not playoff or bust, but (USC fans) should be excited about this coming football season.”

If the Trojans were to win the conference, that very well may put them in playoff contention anyway. While the confidence in the new-look USC is through the roof, your regular season and conference slates come before any trophies are handed out. Lincoln Riley will have a prosperous first season in PicKell’s eyes if they can handle that first.

That tour towards the top of the Pac-12 will start on September 3rd when they open the season against Rice.