USC recruiting class impact gets early Big Ten Media Days spotlight
Lincoln Riley says several USC freshmen could play this fall, though the Trojans return the most starters in the FBS.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
USC recruiting class impact talk arrived fast at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, where Lincoln Riley’s Trojans brought the buzz from signing the nation’s No. 1 freshman class while also returning a veteran-heavy roster.
CBS Sports’ Cody Nagel reported that USC is not entering 2026 in desperation mode with its newcomers. The Trojans bring back 15 starters, which CBS Sports identified as the most in the FBS, giving Riley room to work freshmen into the lineup rather than ask them to rescue the season in August.
Riley still made clear that the class is not just decoration. In comments cited by CBS Sports, he said some players will contribute later in their college careers, but “a large number” will be seen this fall, with “several” projected as high-impact players for USC.
Will USC freshmen play in 2026?
Yes, according to Riley’s Big Ten Media Days comments, USC expects multiple members of its top-ranked recruiting class to appear this fall. The key distinction is role size: the Trojans have enough returning starters that freshmen can compete for spots without being asked to carry the roster right away.
Nagel highlighted tight end Mark Bowman as a player who could start immediately. Wide receiver Trent Mosley was described as another explosive piece for a rebuilt group of pass-catchers, while five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe is expected to begin as a backup on the right side as he adjusts to college football.
The broader question for USC is whether a few first-year players can add enough pop to push the Trojans closer to the top of the Big Ten. CBS Sports labeled the idea of an instant impact from the class as “Fact,” while noting that the group is more likely to be a boost than the full foundation of the team.
What else came out of Big Ten Media Days?
The opening day in Chicago also brought quarterback, coordinator and roster-depth storylines across the league, according to CBS Sports’ fact-or-fiction rundown.
At Illinois, coach Bret Bielema is turning to East Carolina transfer Katin Houser, who has 26 career starts, 6,438 passing yards and 43 touchdowns after starting his college career at Michigan State. Bielema said he is counting on Houser’s previous reps to carry over, and CBS Sports marked Illinois’ transfer quarterback optimism as “Fact.”
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said the Hawkeyes do not yet have a public answer at quarterback, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski competing. CBS Sports called the uncertainty “Fiction,” projecting Hecklinski as the likely starter against Northern Illinois.
Penn State’s new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn also drew praise. Coach Matt Campbell pointed to Lynn’s defensive improvements at UCLA and USC, and CBS Sports called Lynn the right hire for the Nittany Lions.
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said this is his deepest and most talented roster since returning, but CBS Sports tagged that claim as “Fiction,” citing unsettled quarterback play, offensive line turnover and a defense that finished 117th nationally in points allowed last season.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, was viewed more favorably. Luke Fickell said roster depth has been a major focus, and CBS Sports noted the Badgers added 33 transfers, including quarterback Colton Joseph, five offensive linemen and 10 skill players.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.