Miller Moss describes his mindset in practice as USC's expected starter

USC quarterback Miller Moss was honest about his mindset in practice throughout the spring. He’s the expected starter in 2024, so there’s extra weight on his shoulders.

When Caleb Williams declared for the draft, Lincoln Riley and Trojans were expected to be a lucrative destination for a transfer quarterback, especially entering the Big Ten. But Moss’ Holiday Bowl performance scared off any potential suitors.

Still, nothing’s guaranteed and Moss is just focused on improvement.

“I don’t think my mentality or approach is based on Coach Riley saying I’m the starting quarterback or not,” Moss said. “My job is to lead this team, do everything I can to help us win so it’s not predicated on what’s said publicly. It’s predicated on that locker room, what’s said privately. I’m excited about the work we did this spring and excited about that going forward.”

In that Holiday Bowl against Louisville, Moss threw for 372 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Over the course of the entire season, he had 681 yards, seven touchdowns and a 70.1% completion percentage.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Moss was a four-star recruit out of Mission Hills (Calif.) Bishop Alemany, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 7 overall prospect in the state, the No. 11 quarterback in the class and the No. 79 overall prospect in the class.

Moss might not say out loud that he’s ahead in the quarterback race, but Riley sees Moss out in front.

“He made one bad decision today and then the one play he threw a good ball and it’s part of playing football,” Riley said. “Shoot, he’ll probably grade out pretty darn high for the day. So, we don’t want the one bad one, but when you play enough snaps it’s going to happen from time to time, and it’s good for him to feel a little bit of both.

One of the things I was most proud of in the bowl game was when he threw the pick, we came back and he was lights out after that. And so, it’s just part of playing the position. But he’s been awesome. We’re going to go back and certainly evaluate the whole thing. He’s certainly ahead right now. There’s not a question about that.”

Moss could very well end up being the guy. If so, he’ll open things up in Las Vegas when USC takes on LSU September 1st in the season opener.