The tides might finally be turning for Lincoln Riley’s USC, but not without drama. After a tumultuous season in Southern California, the calls for #FireLincolnRiley have only grown louder. The frustration isn’t just about his game-day struggles—it’s about recruiting. In the modern world of college football, missing out on elite talent is the quickest way to fall behind, and Riley has taken some serious hits in the transfer portal.
But don’t count him out just yet.
Despite all the chaos, USC’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be elite, sitting at No. 2 nationally. It’s a sign that Riley still has pull, still has influence, and—most importantly—still has the ability to land game-changing talent. And perhaps no commitment is more critical than that of one defensive powerhouse who has never wavered in his loyalty to the Trojans.
Still, Riley knows better than to relax—because in today’s landscape, nothing is guaranteed.
Meet Xavier Griffin: USC’s Defensive Titan in the Making
At the center of this high-stakes recruiting battle is Xavier Griffin, a four-star defensive end from Gainesville who has been on USC’s radar from the beginning. At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Griffin is already a terrifying presence on the field. His combination of size, speed, and power makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Ranked No. 21 in the ESPN Junior 300, Griffin is the kind of player every top-tier program wants—a versatile defensive weapon who can drop back into coverage, disrupt the passing game, and shut down the run. And with USC’s defensive struggles in recent years, securing a player of his caliber is not just a priority—it’s a necessity.
But keeping him locked in wasn’t easy.
Xavier Griffin's uncle, Brandon, had high praise for USC's new general manager, Chad Bowden, as well as the outstanding coaching staff that has been assembled. The future is bright for USC. Fight On
click the link for full video https://t.co/eZsbwVs9Hv pic.twitter.com/YBePmqsY2N— USC J (@USCJ32) February 3, 2025
The Recruiting War: USC’s Million-Dollar Play
Despite his early commitment to the Trojans in July 2024, Griffin remained a top target for SEC and Big Ten powerhouses. Florida State, Ohio State, and Clemson all launched aggressive pushes to flip him. They sent their best recruiters, made their most compelling pitches, and left no stone unturned.
But USC had an ace up its sleeve—a million-dollar investment that may have sealed the deal.
Enter Chad Bowden, the former Notre Dame recruiting guru turned USC’s General Manager. When Riley and USC made a bold seven-figure move to bring Bowden in, many questioned if the gamble was worth it. But one person who had no doubts? Griffin’s uncle, Brandon.
Xavier Griffin’s Family Weighs In on USC’s Masterstroke
For Griffin’s family, the hiring of Chad Bowden was a game-changer. His uncle, Brandon, saw firsthand how USC was making all the right moves to secure the future.
“Listen, man, USC has put themselves at the forefront of the new game that we’re playing, right?” Brandon explained. “College football? Man, it’s the same sport, but everything else is different. To win now, you need leaders who can recruit, coach, and connect at a high level. USC made sure they got that guy.”
And for Brandon, Bowden is that guy.
“Chad is… interesting, to say the least. But he’s smart. You can feel his energy—it’s big, man. And I mean BIG energy,” he said.
The moment Griffin and his family visited USC and met Bowden face-to-face, everything changed.
“He’s relatable, but not too relatable. He’s respected. He knows the game inside and out, and his experience at Notre Dame speaks for itself.”
The fact that Bowden helped Notre Dame rise to national prominence was not lost on them. His ability to build elite defenses, manage rosters, and dominate the recruiting game made USC’s investment look less like a gamble and more like a game-winning move.
Was USC’s Million-Dollar Gamble Worth It?
For those still questioning whether USC’s seven-figure bet on Bowden was the right call, all they have to do is look at Notre Dame’s meteoric rise under his watch.
Over four seasons at Notre Dame, Bowden went from Defensive Recruiting Coordinator to General Manager, playing a massive role in securing four consecutive Top-12 recruiting classes (2022-2025). Even in the transfer portal, he worked his magic, helping Notre Dame land the No. 15-ranked class in the On3 2024 CFB Transfer Portal Rankings.
This isn’t just a hype hire—it’s a proven difference-maker.
And Bowden himself couldn’t be more thrilled about the opportunity.
“My wife, Ava, and I couldn’t be more grateful and excited to join the Trojan Family,” Bowden said after his hiring. “Jen Cohen, Lincoln Riley, and USC’s commitment to excellence make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
He knows what’s possible at USC.
“This is a program with the resources, the facilities, and the support to build a perennial winner. We’re here to win national championships.”
And Riley couldn’t be happier.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Chad Bowden to our staff. His track record in recruiting and roster management is respected nationwide,” Riley stated.
Now, the real test begins.
Can USC’s Bold Strategy Pay Off in 2025?
The 2025 season is a make-or-break year for Lincoln Riley. He’s landed one of the best recruiting minds in the game, secured a future defensive superstar in Xavier Griffin, and built a top-two 2026 recruiting class.
But is it enough?
With USC moving to the Big Ten, the competition only gets tougher. The Trojans will have to face Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and other heavyweights—programs that have dominated recruiting, developed NFL talent, and consistently competed for championships.
Riley’s critics are still waiting for proof that he can turn USC into a title contender. And they won’t settle for anything less.
So, was USC’s million-dollar move worth it?
If Chad Bowden can bring the same magic to Los Angeles that he did to South Bend, then the Trojans might just be sitting on a goldmine.
Time will tell—but one thing’s for sure: USC’s future just got a whole lot more interesting.
