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USC sets record for spring game attendance in Lincoln Riley, Caleb Williams debut

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•04/23/22•

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USC head football coach has a plan.
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The regular season is still a few months away, but USC is already setting records.

The Trojans played their spring game in front of 33,247 fans at The Coliseum on Saturday — the largest turnout since USC started keeping track, according to The Los Angeles Times’ Ryan Kartje. There’s plenty of hype coming into this season after the additions of former Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams.

Riley and Williams formed quite a bond in Norman after Williams came in as a five-star recruit. As a freshman in 2021, Williams threw for 1,912 and 21 touchdowns while completing 64.5% of his passes. He helped lead the Sooners to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl appearance.

After entering the transfer portal, Williams became the No. 1 prospect on the open market, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. He completed his first nine passes during USC’s spring game, and the hype is building as he gets ready for his first season with the Trojans.

Travis Dye shares first impressions of playing at USC, reception from fans

Travis Dye was one of many transfer portal victories for Lincoln Riley and USC this offseason. He got his first taste of playing for the Trojans at The Coliseum on Saturday — and he liked what he saw.

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Dye, who transferred to USC from Pac-12 rival Oregon, sounded impressed with how things went in his first game-like situation wearing a USC uniform. He shared his full thoughts with ESPN’s Molly McGrath during the second quarter.

“Just electric,” Dye said. “Couldn’t ask for a better first time in the Coliseum wearing these colors. I love being out here, the atmosphere, everything about it. It’s great.”

Dye ranked second in the Pac-12 in rushing yards in 2021, totaling 1,271 yards on the ground and 16 touchdowns for Oregon. He was a huge part of the running attack for Mario Cristobal’s group and a big reason the Ducks finished 10-4 on the season. After entering the portal, he became the No. 23 player on the open market, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.