USC will be faced with challenges in 2026 while Lincoln Riley aims to prove his offense can win games in multiple ways—not just with an aerial attack. Can Jayden Maiava lead a more balanced USC squad to the College Football Playoff, or will the Trojans' reliance on big passing performances expose them against top defenses? Marc Kulkin spotlights the importance of strengthening USC’s rushing attack and defense, recalling Michigan’s dominance on the ground and the difference elite units make in defining championship teams.

From CBS Sports’ ranking of quarterback rooms nationwide to the realities of swift recruiting cycles, Marc also critiques Utah’s surprising slotting above USC and weighs in on depth chart dynamics, keeping a sharp focus on Jonas Williams and Sam Huard. Plus, spirited commentary on recruiting processes, special teams' potential, and the ever-controversial LeBron James exit from the Lakers ensures Trojan fans and college football enthusiasts won’t want to miss this jam-packed analysis.

#USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlexVanSumeren #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #CalebWilliams #SamDarnold #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

LISTEN:

APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o

SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r

GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT

Follow Marc!

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big Ten coaching rankings ignite debate as Curt Cignetti’s meteoric rise at Indiana challenges Ryan Day’s Ohio State dominance. Can Cignetti’s underdog playbook outshine traditional powerhouses if given equal resources? The discussion also spotlights Kyle Whittingham’s consistency, questions Dan Lanning’s performance in pressure games, and evaluates where Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies truly fit in the new Big Ten landscape. Washington’s daunting 2026 schedule faces scrutiny—can the Huskies surpass expectations with key matchups against USC, Oregon, Penn State, and Iowa? The conversation breaks down Washington’s roster strengths and weaknesses, Jedd Fisch’s offensive strategy, and what it will take for the Huskies to clear FanDuel’s 7.5 win total projection. Which Big Ten coach would you want leading your team through a gauntlet, and how will conference newcomers shake up the hierarchy?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The battle for the West Coast football crown intensifies when the USC Trojans prepare to host the Oregon Ducks at the LA Coliseum—a matchup loaded with playoff implications and recruiting stakes. Can Lincoln Riley deliver the signature win USC fans crave, or will Dan Lanning’s powerhouse Oregon squad maintain dominance in the Big Ten? The episode spotlights quarterbacks Dante Moore and Jayden Maiava, returning offensive lines, and the escalating rivalry fueled by off-season recruiting wars.

Marc Kulkin and Spencer McLaughlin break down offensive matchups, defensive line battles between NFL-caliber talents like Matayo Uiagalelei and A' Mauri Washington for Oregon, and USC’s efforts to close the gap under new coordinator Gary Patterson. Key topics include depth chart uncertainties at receiver, playoff scenarios for 10-2 squads, and the pressure mounting on Lincoln Riley to live up to USC’s high expectations. Could this be the season the Trojans take control of the West?

#USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlexVanSumeren #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #CalebWilliams #SamDarnold #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

LISTEN:

APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o

SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r

GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT

Follow Marc!

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trojans face a pivotal crossroads—will 2026 or 2027 be the year they reclaim championship glory? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino dissect roster projections, quarterback Jonas Williams’ rapid development, and the implications of a stacked 2026 recruiting class. With the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility rules transforming player usage and the transfer portal looming, the pressure mounts for elite freshmen to deliver immediate results.

Key conversations center around Jaden Maiava’s evolving national reputation, the chemistry with wide receiver Tanook Hines, and USC landing on JD PicKell’s Top 10 QB-WR duos list. Insightful takes on Lincoln Riley’s offseason strategy, NIL expectations, and high-stakes seven-on-seven tournaments round out an episode packed with bold predictions and pressing questions about the Trojans’ quest for a College Football Playoff breakthrough.

#USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlexVanSumeren #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #USCTrojansnews #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

LISTEN:

APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o

SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r

GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT

Follow Marc!

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

USC faces mounting pressure to start the season strong with five of their first six games at the Coliseum—will anything less than a 5-1 record fuel disappointment? Marc Kulkin breaks down USC’s revamped offensive strategy under Lincoln Riley, spotlighting the pivotal roles of King Miller, Waymond Jordan Jr., and Jayden Maiava, and predicting a renewed commitment to the run game and play-action to open up explosive passing opportunities.

Recruiting momentum stalls as high-profile legacies like Paisios Polamalu chooses rival Stanford, and the Trojans drop in national rankings. Can Chad Bowden and the staff flip top targets like Ahmad Hudson or bolster the trenches before the cycle ends? Marc analyzes potential impact additions, the challenges of building a top-10 class, and what needs to change for USC to claim its place among college football’s elite.

#USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlexVanSumeren #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #USCTrojansnews #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

LISTEN:

APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o

SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r

GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT

Follow Marc!

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Could USC’s 2026 football season be defined by the grit of its linemen rather than star skill players like Jayden Maiava? Marc Kulkin spotlights Elijah Paige, Jahkeem Stewart, and Desman Stephens, arguing that a dominant offensive line and physical defense could be USC’s ticket to national relevance. Will the Trojans’ “dirty work” players finally bring home awards like the Joe Moore and elevate USC’s toughness in marquee matchups against Oregon, Washington, and Penn State?

Marc also shares exclusive updates on the Bloom Football Performance Center’s opening, detailing how the new state-of-the-art facility will fuel recruiting, player development, and Lincoln Riley’s championship vision. Listener questions cover road-win obstacles, key freshman to watch, and pivotal dates for Big Ten Media Day and fall camp. Is this the year USC’s identity shifts from flash to physicality?

#USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlexVanSumeren #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #USCTrojansnews #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

LISTEN:

APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o

SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r

GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT

Follow Marc!

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trojans will brace for a high-stakes clash against the Fresno State Bulldogs as powerhouse coach Matt Entz seeks to make a statement in his PAC-12 debut. Can the Bulldogs run game—led by Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson—exploit USC’s inconsistent run defense and deliver the conference’s first marquee upset? Questions swirl around Fresno State’s new quarterback Kristian Martin, while the Bulldogs’ top-ranked secondary eyes USC’s passing attack.

Marc Kulkin and Christian Rauh break down why this Friday night showdown at the LA Coliseum is more than just another non-conference test. Key topics include Fresno State’s physical style, their underdog mentality, and the rising impact of realignment on college football’s power structure. With playoff stakes looming and personal rivalries fueling both sidelines, will Lincoln Riley’s Trojans assert their dominance, or will Fresno State seize its moment in the spotlight?

#USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlexVanSumeren #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #USCTrojansnews #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

LISTEN:

APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o

SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r

GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT

Follow Marc!

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On3’s latest quarterback and receiver rankings spark heated debate—can elite quarterback-receiver duos truly explain team success, or do inconsistencies between individual and duo rankings leave fans scratching their heads? The Locked On Big Ten Squad analyzes controversial placements: Why is Jayden Maiava ranked third among Big Ten quarterbacks, yet his top wideout drops to an honorable mention? Does the meteoric rise of Purdue’s Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh make sense, or is it pure off-season hype? Attention shifts to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ win total—set at 7.5 by FanDuel. Can Iowa’s new-look offense and a lean senior class maintain Kirk Ferentz’s historic winning consistency against heavyweights like Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington? Predictions fly, rivalries flare, and bold calls are made. Is an eight-win season realistic, or are the Hawkeyes set for a step back in a loaded Big Ten?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.