Carson Palmer reveals discussion with Jordan Addison on wearing his retired No. 3 jersey

Several big names joined head coach Lincoln Riley and USC via the transfer portal. While quarterback Caleb Williams may be the biggest name, wide receiver Jordan Addison is a close second after winning the Biletnikoff Award last year.

The hope is Addison will be a star in the Trojans’ offense and based on his jersey number selection, high expectations are already there.

Addison wore the No. 3 while at Pittsburgh and wanted to do the same with USC. Only issue — the number was retired for Carson Palmer. However, Palmer allowed Addison to bring his famous No. 3 out of retirement and revealed the conversation he had with the Trojans’ latest addition.

“He promised to work his tail off and represent all that it means to be a Trojan, and that he’d be incredibly humbled to wear No. 3,” Palmer said.

Six jersey numbers have been retired with USC, with all of them having one thing in common — winning a Heisman Trophy with the program. While Reggie Bush‘s No. 5 is not officially retired, according to WeAreSC, nobody has worn the number since.

Palmer won college football’s most prestigious individual award in 2002 as he led the Trojans to an 11-2 record and Orange Bowl win under head coach Pete Carroll. That season, Palmer threw for 3,942 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions.

Although the two play different positions, expectations will be similar. Well, maybe not Heisman Trophy level but Addison is expected to put up huge numbers in Riley’s offense. Pressure was already going to be high but bringing a jersey number out of retirement may be raised them even more.

On3’s JD PicKell gives reasonable expectations for Jordan Addison, USC

When Riley was hired and eventually reunited with Williams at quarterback, expectations sky rocketed for USC in Year One. The College Football Playoff instant became the goal, even with a rebuilding roster in Los Angeles.

On3’s JD PicKell recently gave out what he thinks would be reasonable expectations for the Trojans this season. Focusing on winning the conference should be step one for Riley and company, per PicKell.

“If USC could win the Pac-12, that would be phenomenal,” PicKell said. “I also think it’s very doable for where the conference is right now. It’s not really deep. USC has a super-loaded roster, especially on offense. If they can put it together and win the Pac-12, that would be a great season for USC. It’s not playoff or bust, but (USC fans) should be excited about this coming football season.”