Lincoln Riley believes USC wide receivers provide an edge 'every time we step on the field'

USC‘s offense put up over 500 yards from scrimmage despite falling to the defense 43-28 during last month’s spring game — most of which came through the air.

Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley recently explained where his receivers stand at the end of spring practice. The group combined for 37 receptions for 396 yards and two touchdowns on the day, seeing six wideouts record at least 35 receiving yards during the day.

“They’re doing well, I think all those guys, building on how they played in the bowl game,” Riley said after the spring game. “Not just getting their opportunities, but the quarterback position is probably going to be played a little bit differently. I know we talked a lot about it after the bowl game — it’s a little bit more traditional. And I think at times it can be a good thing for some of these receivers in terms of getting in a rhythm and just letting these guys make plays.

“The quarterbacks we have in the room, that’s more of their style. When you’ve got playmakers like those guys, it’s awesome, you’re excited about it, and they’re excited about it. We have some weapons in that room that we feel that are going to give us an advantage every time we step on the field next year.”

Duce Robinson ended the spring showcase as the Trojans’ leading receiver with four receptions for 56 yards. Makai Lemon was targeted a bit more, catching six passes for 52 yards while hauling in one of the only two receiving touchdowns on the day. Zachari Branch, Xavier Jordan and Josiah Zamora also had strong showings during the game.

Running back Bryan Jackson caught the only other touchdown during the matchup, scoring on a three-yard reception. It was his only target of the game.

Since the spring game ended, the Trojans have also added the services of former Auburn wideout Jay Fair out of the NCAA transfer portal. He saw a massive spike in production in 2023, hauling in 31 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns and looks to build on that at USC.

The next time fans will see the USC running back room in action will be on Sunday, Sept. 1 when they meet LSU in the season opener inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. After spending Week 2 at home against Utah State, the Trojans play their first-ever Big Ten Conference game on the road against Michigan.