Lincoln Riley addresses importance of beating Oregon for recruiting purposes

Sometimes, on-field rivalries can be born on the recruiting trail. Especially when two programs like Oregon and USC are trying to dominate the West Coast. Lincoln Riley and Dan Lanning are both in their second year in charge and have been able to recruit at a high level. A few have been head-to-head against one another.

Of course, you recruit to compete well on the field. Oregon beating USC or USC beating Oregon should play a huge role when they are going after the same kids, right?

Riley believes it helps but does not think it’s the end-all, be-all. A lot of recruitments are about the big picture, not letting one game decide their future. If USC does go out there and get a win on Saturday, somebody heavily leaning toward Oregon is not going to suddenly shift toward the Trojans.

“I don’t know that one guy sways anybody,” Riley said. “If we go win, is that all of a sudden going to sway a bunch of people to USC? If we don’t go win, is it all of a sudden going to sway a bunch of people to Oregon? I’ve never really subscribed to that. I think that’s a snapshot in a moment in time and reality for this recruiting process for these guys.”

During the 2023 cycle, Oregon finished with the No. 1 class in the Pac-12 with USC just behind. Both were inside the top 10 on a national level. Riley and Lanning are likely happy with the talent they were able to bring to Los Angeles and Eugene.

They are now transitioning into the Big Ten where the West Coast will become even more important. And while UCLA and Washington are coming too, those two will not recruit at the level of Oregon and USC.

But more than anything, Riley is just looking to beat Oregon because it’s important to the 2023 season. USC has suffered two tough losses in a row, likely sending them out of College Football Playoff and Pac-12 title contention.

They need a win for themselves to get back on the right track. A mini recruiting boost would just be a little treat on the side.

“I do certainly think it’s an important game,” Riley said. “But I think it’s an important game because it’s two good programs going at it… I’m certainly not minimizing it. It’s important and it’s a great opportunity for us. But there is certainly some big picture to it.”