Lincoln Riley details how Holiday Bowl benefits USC's recruiting in San Diego

USC won’t have to travel far for its bowl game. On Dec. 27, the Trojans will square off against Louisville in the Holiday Bowl, which will be played in Petco Park in San Diego, Calif. On Monday, USC head coach Lincoln Riley revealed how the backyard bowl game will boost his program’s recruiting efforts.

“It’s important for us that we’re getting to be able to play the game here in our home state,” Riley said, “in an area that historically has meant very much to USC football, and so we certainly can’t let that opportunity pass us by.

“I do have a lot of respect for the bowl. One my earliest memories was coming up here with the Texas Tech team and actually beating Aaron Rodgers and Cal in a great Holiday Bowl. To this day, all the different bowls and big games that I’ve been able to coach in, that’s still one of my favorite memories.”

Perhaps USC can make a few memories California recruits in attendance. Of course, it won’t be easy. USC quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams will not play in the bowl game against Louisville.

Williams’ decision only adds to the negative momentum USC is carrying into the Holiday Bowl. The Trojans finished out their season on a three-game losing streak, falling in stunning 38-20 fashion to UCLA in their final game.

Future is bright at USC

Nonetheless, USC still boasts a solid future. The program has the No. 18 class in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to On3 Industry Rankings. The group includes 11 four-star prospects and seven three-star recruits.

After a tumultuous close to the 2023 campaign, it will be vital for Riley and his fellow Trojans to confirm they are the same program the recruits initially signed to play for.

“There’s certainly a personal side of me that’s excited that that was the choice,” Riley said. “Playing in the home state, playing in an area that we have a ton of respect for, and as we continue to build this program, it’s an opportunity that we need to we need to recognize and we need to be ready to take advantage of.”

The win would be massive for USC. The team is 0-4 against ranked opponents this season. Louisville currently sits at No. 16 in the AP Top 25. The two programs will clash on Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on FOX.