Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball

USC football is going through a resurgence with its 2026 recruiting class. So far this week Lincoln Riley has secured 3 commitments and there appears to be more on the way. Trojan fans are enjoying the recruiting season while USC has the No.1 ranked class nationally. However, when USC is winning, the "Haters" come out and start talking and making excuses trying to cope. I have the details in the s...

In March, USC has the No. 1 recruiting class for 2026, and it looks like they're getting ready to surge further ahead with some of the best talent in California on its campus taking unofficial visits. The Trojans started the week with an offensive line commitment and could see one or more commitments soon. I have the details on this episode USC now has the consensus No.1 class on the three major r...

USC football is where Trojan fans are putting all of their hope this spring after watching this weekend's Trojan sports performances. Both men's and women's basketball suffered bad losses and the baseball team is riding a 5-game slide after opening the season 9-1. I have all the details in the show's 1st segment, and why hope springs eternal for football when spring camp opens on March 26th. The s...

USC's high school football pipelines are either dried up or leaking talent to other programs. However, that might be changing in 2026 with at least one feeder program. I explain why Mater Dei and their head coach could start sending more of their players to USC than they have recently. The Trojans' cornerback room has a lot of new faces looking to make a name for themself, including their position...

Can the Big Ten's dark horses upset the traditional powerhouses this season? With spring football practices underway, the Big Ten landscape is buzzing with potential surprises. Teams like Penn State, Illinois, and Nebraska are gearing up for a season that could redefine their standings. The discussion features insights from Spencer McLaughlin, Craig Sheman, and Zach Anderson Yoxheimer, who explore...

Lincoln Riley and Chad Bowden set a goal to recruit the biggest class ever at USC, which means bringing in over 30 recruits to fill out the No.1 ranked class of 2026. I have the names of the players USC is attempting to sign in the show's first segment. Segment 2 looks back at 2024 and the best plays of the season; I have my list of plays that stood out over others. The men's final home basketball...

USC is synonymous with quarterbacks, and wide receivers, but others doubt the Trojans at both position groups in 2025. Do the Trojans have a void at WR? If the B1G Conference sends 4 teams to the playoffs in 2026 when the format expands to 14 teams, will USC be one of the 4? I discuss why the Trojans are a dark horse in 2025 during the show's 2nd segment. And I wrap up the show with more Jen Cohen...

Chad Bowden is USC's General manager who has a vision for USC, and it starts at home. California recruiting is a major emphasis for USC and that's what's best for the "Sleeping Giant."  On this episode I have all the quotes and what they meant from Chad's sitdown with the media this week. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal #texasam, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucl...

The recruiting dead period is over and the recruits are lining up visits and talking about why they want to come play for USC. Who will be the next California recruit to commit to the Trojans? Every year there are new rule changes that take effect. I have an update on which ones will be changing in 2025 and why they're important. USC's basketball has the best team in the country and one that is al...

The month of March is the unofficial start of spring for college football and USC's March will be busy with spring camp and recruiting activities. Despite no spring game, I have 10 things to look forward to this spring. In the show's second segment, I have team workout updates, recruiting news, and then the show wraps up with my Friday Rant on a few different subjects. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasket...

Big Ten football is reshaping its landscape with surprising offseason moves. Did you know Illinois and Rutgers are leading in returning player production? Dive into the latest on Big Ten teams, where returning stars and new additions are setting the stage for an exciting season. Hosts Jacob Goins, Craig Sheman, Trent Cotton, Spencer McLaughlin, Zach Seo, and Roman Tomashoff break down the impact o...

Even when USC and UCLA aren't competing on the field of play, the rivalry is still being fought in a war of words. USC said it's the place to be, while UCLA's head coach offered his thoughts. I have the details in the first segment. The NFL combine started this week and I have the latest on USC's 3 representatives at this year's draft combine. The men's basketball  team was back at home for a game...

USC is back in business with its California recruiting and Lincoln Riley's staff is doing whatever is necessary to make the best in the state stay home. This episode details how the coaching staff is recruiting the best players in the state. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal #texasam, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootba...

USC's marketing department put out a video claiming that it's time to win. Recruiting is doing well with the No.1 class, and recruits are setting up their visit dates. In the show's 2nd segment, I have the latest recruiting rankings that were released and there are Trojan commits who are moving up, and others who are being disrespected by the folks handing out the stars.  Revenue sharing is on the...

The Trojans 2026 recruiting class is ranked No.1 in the country following a huge weekend that saw two commits pledge their allegiance to USC. I have the details and how it went down in the show's 1st segment. If you want to know how the coaching staff is evaluating the depth chart, the show's 2nd segment has intel from inside the McKay Center that was sent to me on both sides of the ball. The show...

Trojans head coach Lincon Riley recently talked about the learning curve of being in charge at a place like USC and the sacrifices he's made to help USC get back to a championship level. I have quotes from Riley along with my thoughts on what he said in the first segment. The show's second segment looks at the men's basketball game against Maryland and where they go from here. This week's Friday R...

Big Ten football is on the brink of transformation. Will Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan maintain their dominance, or will rising stars like Washington and Indiana shake up the hierarchy? As the college football landscape shifts, the expansion of the College Football Playoff looms large, promising new opportunities and challenges for teams across the conference. Join Spencer McLaughlin and guests...

Lincoln Riley's recruiting skills are starting to show up and why USC is getting set to have the No.1 recruiting class. The Trojans are anticipating a commitment flip from one of the best QBs in the country and I have all the details in the show's first segment. Trojan fans look forward to the annual spring game but this year there won't be one for the fans to attend. What does this mean going for...

USC recruiting is always a hot topic and in this episode, national recruiting expert Brian Smith offers a national perspective on the Trojans, Lincoln Riley, and the USC's recruiting success. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal #texasam, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverin...

The power brokers of college football are getting ready to change the college football playoff system, and if the comes to fruition, there's a good chance USC will make the playoffs every year. I have all the details in the show's first segment. USC's coaching staff improved over the offseason and I have a complete breakdown on both sides of the ball. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #...

The Trojans have the No. 2-rated 2026 recruiting class in February; but where will they finish at the end of the cycle?  I have some data and my opinion on what needs to happen for USC to finish inside the top 10. USC's new GM Chad Bowden is starting to affect Southern California Recruiting. I have the details in the show's second segment. There are a bunch of new guys enrolled, working out, and p...

Whatever makes a QB successful in college and the NFL, I agree with Tom Brady; it's about a QB's speed and ability to read a defense more than anything else. If Jayden Maiava wants to take the next step in his development, then it starts in the film room. Jen Cohen talked about the football program and what's necessary for USC to have a championship-level program. I have her answers and my reactio...

Are the Penn State Nittany Lions poised for a Big Ten takeover? With Drew Aller at the helm, the stakes are high for Penn State football. This episode tackles the buzz around overrated and underrated quarterbacks in the Big Ten, spotlighting players like Drew Aller and Luke Altmyer. Spencer McLaughlin, alongside guests like Craig Sheeman and Zach Seiko, dissects Penn State's championship potential...

Another preseason list came out and USC was under-represented again; only Ja'Kobi Lane was on the "Breakout Player" watchlist. I have a list of players on USC's roster from both sides of the ball who should have made the list. USC's 2026 class received another commitment. Andrew Williams is a 6-foot-5, 220lb multi-sport athlete who is expected to play defensive end when he enrolls at USC. I have a...

USC's defense was good in 2024 and it should be even better in 2025 with the way their roster is built. Almost every position has the right amount of combined depth and talent except in the linebacker room. I explain the Defcon levels for each position group. The B1G Conference in 2025 will be up for grabs. Jayden Maiava is one of the better QBs, but is there one who separates himself and his team...