What USC is getting in Jordan Addison at wide receiver

USC made a major late splash in the transfer portal in former Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison. The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner is another major addition to the Trojans, who also brought in former Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley and transfer quarterback Caleb Williams this offseason.

But J.D. PicKell thinks Addison brings plenty of intangibles to the offense that will help Williams, as well.

Addison’s numbers speak for themselves. He had 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns before entering the portal just before the May 1 deadline. But off the field, Addison brings enough experience to help Williams, who’s gearing up for his first full year as a starter, according to PicKell.

“Ultimately, what USC gets with Jordan Addison is an alpha at their No. 1 wide receiver position,” PicKell said on CFB with J.D. “You have [Oklahoma reciever] Mario Williams to do intermediate stuff, you have [Colorado transfer] Brenden Rice to take some pressure off Addison. But to have a true deep threat and a guy that you can throw the ball to at any point and time during the game is a huge luxury for Caleb Williams. Because remember, Caleb Williams was a true freshman last season.

“I know there’s a lot of hype around him, I know there’s a lot of accolades being thrown his way, but he’s still developing and still learning the college game a little bit. This is going to be his first time starting a season opener. So to have a seasoned receiver with all of the skillset in the world that you could want in your No. 1 receiver in Jordan Addison, that is a huge luxury for Caleb Williams. In the same way, [it] takes a lot of pressure off other guys in the offense to just have to command where No. 3 is.”

More on Jordan Addison, USC’s transfer portal success this year

After entering the portal, Addison became the No. 2 transfer to hit the open market — just behind Williams, who came in at No. 1 in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. That means USC added the top two transfers this offseason, which adds to an impressive roster revamp.

But Addison and Williams weren’t the only highly ranked transfers to head to USC. The Trojans also landed commitments from former Oregon running back Travis Dye and Mario Williams — the No. 21 and 39 transfers in the portal, respectively. All told, the Trojans brought in 20 transfers this offseason.