How Miller Moss changed USC's transfer portal plans

One of the more eye-opening bowl performances came from San Diego when USC was able to take down Louisville. USC and Lincoln Riley may have found their starting quarterback for the 2024 season, with Miller Moss putting on a show. Moss had been the backup all season behind Caleb Williams but got his opportunity against the Cardinals.

Heading into the game, the general thought was that USC would look for a new starting quarterback in the NCAA transfer portal. Kansas State‘s Will Howard was a popular name, even taking a visit out to Los Angeles. But once Moss played well in the Holiday Bowl, things may have changed for Howard and anybody else hoping to play under Riley in 2024.

“Lincoln Riley probably said it best after the Holiday Bowl,” On3’s Pete Nakos said during Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “He said ‘Miller may have just scared away all of the competition for that starting job.'”

Moss completed 23 of 33 passes against Louisville, throwing for 372 yards, six touchdowns, and an interception. The six TDs were a USC program record in a bowl game as well. A true coming-out party for somebody who has waited their turn.

Because of the performance, USC might be out of the starting quarterback portal market. Nakos still believes they are in the younger quarterback portal market, though. With Malachi Nelson leaving, there are no up-and-coming underclassmen the Trojans have.

Riley made a run at Five-Star Plus+ DJ Lagway around National Signing Day but the long-time Florida commit wound up signing with the Gators. USC wants to find someone to develop if Moss is going to be the guy in 2024.

“There isn’t really a name that pops up right now with USC,” Nakos said. “Lincoln Riley has been really open that he wants to bring someone young in. JuJu Lewis is class of 2026. So, my point is that they don’t really have a lot of quarterback talent coming up the pipeline at the moment. Going to the portal to add someone makes a lot of sense.”

Plenty of quarterbacks will be on the market this season, whether they are looking for a starting role or wanting to be developed. Riley should be looking for the latter, with Nakos feeling confident Moss was able to scare off the competition he might have this spring. USC seemingly has its guy to lead them into the Big Ten.