Lincoln Riley debunks perception former Pac-12 teams don't have Big Ten-ready trench players

A lot of on-field discussion surrounding conference realignment has involved the line of scrimmage. Whether it’s been the Red River duo joining the SEC or four from the Pac-12 moving into the Big Ten, a perception has formed that all of them will have to adjust upfront. USC and Lincoln Riley are no different, maybe even being thought of as the roster with the most adjustments to make.

Riley pushed back on the idea Wednesday while on the Big Ten Network, saying USC already has a group to compete in the Big Ten, both offensive and defensive line. He said Oregon, UCLA, and Washington are in the same position. Adjustment is undoubtedly ahead but not impossible after retooling during offseasons.

“I think there’s some really good line of scrimmage play in the Big Ten,” Riley said. “I think we’ll have some real challenges there. But I think we’re coming in with some schools that have the ability to do that as well. It will be a challenge, it will be a key.

“But we’re not coming in with a gun that’s not loaded, right? I certainly don’t feel that way at all.”

USC has made a big push to upgrade the roster, specifically on the defensive line. Three guys who formerly played in the SEC are now in Los Angeles via the NCAA transfer portal. Bear Alexander, Nate Clifton, and Anthony Lucas were all sought-after players in the portal. Two are in their second year with the Trojans while Clifton joined recently.

New defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn being mixed into the equation and the Trojans have to think they can compete up front against some of the Big Ten’s top offensive lines.

Elsewhere, Washington is fresh off a season where their offensive line won the Joe Moore Award. Although things look a whole lot different in Seattle due to a coaching change, there is no better award to win to prove you can win at the line.

Oregon has been one of the best recruiting programs in college football in recent years, with Dan Lanning exploding on the trail. He would likely take his two groups up against anybody in the country, SEC included.

The tests for all four teams are going to come early and often. Riley knows as the season progresses, the depth will be even more important. Playing nine Big Ten games is not easy for anymore, no matter your talent level on the line of scrimmage.