Lincoln Riley calls QB Malachi Nelson a 'unique talent'

USC landed a top notch commitment on National Signing Day in Malachi Nelson. The future of the Trojans quarterback room is likely led through the young talent, especially in Lincoln Riley’s system. Caleb Williams is back for at least one more season, but if Nelson is prepared, he could live up to his high recruiting billing.

“Malachi, I’ve always thought, was a really unique talent,” Riley said. “His ability to throw the ball and process at a young age, he’s certainly well ahead of his years there and very, very impressive.”

Riley also opened up on his relationship with the incoming freshman and the 2023 class’ second-ranked quarterback.

“Throughout a long, long recruiting process with him and his family, I think that just comfort factor and getting to know you know who he is as a person, getting to know his family, the way he’s raised his goals,” Riley said. “I’ve seen him improve throughout the years even when he’s getting offers and a lot of attention very early on. I feel like the kid has really continued to work hard and wants to improve and I think a lot of those things I just listed in terms of, you know, what we’re looking for at USC. 

“He fits and then as far as what we’re looking for at the quarterback position, I mean, he’s a guy that I feel like has an extremely bright future as a player, as a leader and as a winner. That’s what we have to have in that position.”

As a member of the Class of 2023, Nelson is a five-star prospect out of Los Alamitos (Calif.) High, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the class and the No. 2 overall prospect in the class.

According to his On3 profile, Nelson reminds scouts of Marcus Mariota, the former Oregon Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick in 2015.

Meanwhile, USC takes on Tulane in the Cotton Bowl as a part of the New Year’s Six games. Williams, who won the Heisman, is expected to be healthier this time around after suffering an injury in the Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah in a loss.

This year, has 4,075 yards, 37 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 66.1% completion percentage.

No. 8 USC takes on N. 14 Tulane in the Cotton Bowl Jan. 2 at 1:00 p.m. ET.