Despite losing a some players during the offseason, the 2025 Trojans are better off in a few areas compared to their 2024 team including at WR and the coaching staff. In the first segment I explain where USC made significant improvement and where they improved in areas that can't be seen. It looks like the offensive line room is going to lose one of its more experienced players. DJ Wingfield is not expected to get the ruling he was hoping for which means it's time to move forward and set the rot...
Aug 19, 2025•33 min•Ep. 920
It's been over 15 years since the NCAA dropped the hammer on USC and now with Michigan getting their penalties for actual cheating, I have a message for the NCAA. The fine folks at the NCAA decided to rub some dirt into the Trojan Family's barely closed wounds when they gave the Wolverine program a pass for lying, cheating, and a lack of institutional control and I'll tell you why USC deserves an apology. In the second segment, I have a few updates before the team starts Mock Game Week. And win ...
Aug 18, 2025•35 min•Ep. 919
Everyone knows Eric Gentry and Desman Stephens are USC's starting linebackers. But who are the backups and how much will they play if the starters stay on the field? Following the Trojans 14th fall camp practice Coach Lynn talked about the backups roles and when they should anticipate seeing the field in a game. I have some news regarding TE Walter Matthews as well as other practice notes one day before USC scrimmages inside the Coliseum. And this week's Friday Rant wants people to stay in their...
Aug 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 918
Big Ten football faces SEC dominance in AP Top 25. Can the conference prove its worth on the field? Hosts dissect perceived SEC bias in rankings, with 10 SEC teams vs 6 Big Ten squads making the cut. The panel explores potential Big Ten expansion targets, weighing academic fit and competitive balance. Fall camp updates reveal key position battles and injury concerns across the conference. Spencer McLaughlin, Mark Culkin, and other team insiders offer exclusive insights on quarterback competition...
Aug 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 917
USC identified its first problem ahead of game 1; They have too much depth on the defensive line! Coach Riley talked about the challenge of finding enough playing time. It's not really a problem because of how much depth the room has and the versatility that the group offers. However that doesn't mean it's not a "good" problem to have. I have the latest notes & quotes from Day 12 of fall camp, and is one player making a position switch? I'll tell you who might be switching positions in the s...
Aug 14, 2025•33 min•Ep. 916
Lincoln Riley's offense is known for causing problems for opposing defenses but it can also make it hard for his own defense to coexist with his offensive philosophy. I explain the Yin & Yang relationship between the offense and D'Anton Lynn's defense. In the 2nd segment I'll tell you what to look for that will make the Trojans defense better in its second year under the direction of Lynn. It starts with more depth on the defensive line. How many marquee wins has USC had with Lincoln Riley a...
Aug 13, 2025•31 min•Ep. 915
If USC was close in 2024, it means they're closer to making the playoffs in 2025. If USC takes 10 more steps in the right direction they'll find their way back home. I have a 10-step path back to the top for Lincoln Riley's Trojans in the first segment. All of the offseason talk about USC has been consistent.--No one likes USC in 2025 and the first AP Poll of the year confirms it. The Trojans are ranked 30th. I break down the top 25 in the 2nd segment, and I point out all of the hypocrisy and co...
Aug 12, 2025•30 min•Ep. 914
There is no more time to waste. USC has to finish 9-3 or better in 2025 or an argument can be made that USC is wasting its time with Lincoln Riley as the head coach. The Trojans head coach is entering his 4th season and there is no more time for excuses from the fans on why the wait is taking so long to get USC back to where they belong. The USC running game will go as far as Waymo takes them. Waymond Jordan isn't a household name, but he has the "It" factor. I explain why in the 2nd segment and...
Aug 11, 2025•33 min•Ep. 913
USC's 2025 defense is anticipated to show improvement over last year's improvement. However, if there are any concerns, the secondary would be the primary one. D'Anton, Doug Belk, and Trovon Reed have the talent, however, no one has separated themselves from each other at the cornerback spot. In the second segment, I explain why three scoops of vanilla on offense and defense will taste great as USC prepares for the tougher games on the schedule. I explain why it's important to just do the basics...
Aug 08, 2025•31 min•Ep. 912
Big Ten football's future stars take center stage. Who will lead the conference in passing, rushing, and receiving? Spencer McLaughlin and a panel of college football experts break down the top contenders for statistical dominance. From Ohio State's Julian Sayin drawing Dwayne Haskins comparisons to Oregon's Makai Hughes as a potential rushing leader, the discussion covers every angle. Dark horse candidates emerge, including Purdue's Devin Mockbee chasing rushing records and Nebraska's Dane Key ...
Aug 08, 2025•32 min•Ep. 911
The Trojans have wrapped up 7 days of fall camp and there are G.O.A.T.S hanging out watching some the best talent on the roster. Former USC WR and Belitnikoff Award Winner Marqise Lee was there to see the latest group of WRs while also being impressed by the size of the players. I have a complete Notes & Observations practice report in segment 1. In the 2nd segment, I'll let you know what I've learned about the 13 players who arrived in the summer and how they look compared to the guys who w...
Aug 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 910
The Trojans enter the 2025 season with more strengths than weaknesses, but will that be enough to help USC improve over last year's results? In the first segment I break down USC strengths in 2025; everything from the players to the coaching staff. I also explain why USC's weaknesses are more about the unknown than their ability to be a strength. I explain why in the 2nd segment. The show wraps up with my 5 freshmen that have a chance to play early and often. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #re...
Aug 06, 2025•28 min•Ep. 909
USC was back on the practice field for day No. 5 of fall camp and it had a special feel to it with Coach Lincoln Riley watching the special team specialists. In the first segment I have all of the notes & observations from fall camp's 5th practice, including a special bonding moment between Coach Riley and myself. In the second segment, I explain how USC was left off the Coaches Preseason Poll that was just released. I also explain why the Coaches Poll is the one that's the most worthless. T...
Aug 05, 2025•30 min•Ep. 908
USC has a bunch of freshmen who don't look or act their age and it's showing up on the practice field, including a few of the bigger guys on both sides of the ball. There is a lot of confidence with the 2025 recruiting class and I have an update on what I saw and heard at the team's first practice in pads. The Trojans added to their No.1 ranked recruiting class when Breck Kolojay joined his IMG teammate Keenyi Pepe. The two will continue their playing careers together at USC. I have all the deta...
Aug 04, 2025•36 min•Ep. 907
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava said the best way for him to move his game forward is to use a neutral mindset. But what does that mean? I'll tell you what it could mean. There are 3-4 positions that need to see a player emerge as a star. In the 2nd segment I'll tell you the positions and give you a handful of names to remember. This week's Friday Rant has to do with communication. It's hard enough to communicate but when someone speaks a different language, it makes business transactions really c...
Aug 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 906
Big Ten football shakeup: Oregon's debut season under the microscope. Will the Ducks soar or stumble in their new conference? Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On crew dissect the top 100 college football players, questioning Big Ten representation and debating surprising inclusions. The hosts analyze Oregon's challenging 10.5-win total, breaking down key matchups against Penn State, USC, and Washington. Quarterback situations across the conference take center stage, with Drew Aller, Dante Moore...
Aug 01, 2025•37 min•Ep. 905
The Trojans opened fall camp with a mostly healthy roster, plus Lincoln Riley talked about another new addition to the coaching staff on Day 1. USC added Adrian Klemm as an analyst on the defensive side of the ball. In the first segment I have all the news, notes, and observations from the first day of fall camp. In the second segment, I have all the notes & quotes from new strength & conditioning coordinator Trumain Carroll. Coach Tru explains why the Coliseum is a "sacred place." I wra...
Jul 31, 2025•33 min•Ep. 904
"We're not arrogant, we're just that good. "At USC's media day I asked D'Anton Lynn if he preferred his defense to be known as a confident group or arrogant. Confidence and arrogance comes to down to perception and I make the argument that leans toward arrogate in the first segment. Fall camp opens today and there is a lot to keep an eye on throughout camp leading up to the season in 31 more days. I'll tell you who, what, and why my eyes will be focused on certain players and position groups. In...
Jul 30, 2025•29 min•Ep. 903
USC held Media Day ahead of fall camp opening and one thing is very clear; The Trojans defensive line room is massive and they are going to be a big problem in 2025. I had a chance to see them up close and speak with them and I haven't felt this good about USC's defensive line in a very long time! I have some good (recruiting) news and bad (roster)news, plus some of the best quotes from the players and coaches regarding the strength and conditioning program under Trumain Carroll. He is exactly w...
Jul 29, 2025•32 min•Ep. 902
The Trojans open fall camp this week but before that happens there will be a meet-n-greet with the assistant coaches and selected players inside Heritage Hall. USC will host it's own media day two days ahead of fall camp opening, and I have all the details including who will be there as well as my opinion on why. There were not enough Champagne Sundays in 2024. I explain what those are during the show's second segment, as well as what USCX needs to do in 2025 to enjoy more great days! The show w...
Jul 28, 2025•33 min•Ep. 901
It was Lincoln Riley's turn to talk at the B1G Conference, and he made it clear; it doesn't matter when the USC vs Notre Dame game is played. I have a recap of what Coach Riley talked about, as well as other notes, quotes, and observations from USC's Day in Las Vegas. I also have my Friday Rant about Las Vegas. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #mich...
Jul 25, 2025•32 min•Ep. 900
When Scott Schrader from WeAreSC.com joins the show, there is a lot to talk about. On this episode we preview USC's media day and talk recruiting. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #michiganwolverines #michiganfootball #D'antonlynn #defense #baltimoreravens #FOOTBALL # #instantreaction #ncaafoot ball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #r...
Jul 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 899
It's almost time for Lincoln Riley to talk at the B1G Conference Media Days, but so far it's been a lot of "big" talk about which conference is better, the B1G or the SEC. In the first segment I'll tell you what to anticipate when Coach Riley speaks this week, and which questions will be asked. The Trojans are going to have a very good defense in 2025, and the linebackers will play a major role. I have the details including a comparison to the linebacker group from Ohio State. The B1G and SEC ar...
Jul 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 898
Big Conference Media Days are this week and no one anticipates the Trojans doing much in 2025. The question is, does the media know more than USC fans? Is it due to question marks on offense, specifically at QB and the Line, or does it go deeper than that? The Trojans were picked to finish 9th in the B1G Conference preseason poll. I have the breakdown and my own thoughts on the voting. Last year Miller Moss was on the preseason Heisman watch List, this season, there are no Trojans. I have two wh...
Jul 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 897
USC will be at the B1G Conference Media Days this week and there will be questions asked about what to expect in 2025 and will they play to the USC standard. There are just a couple of days left before the season kicks into gear with media days, and then fall camp the next week. I have some thoughts on what to anticipate, including questioning the standard USC fans should expect in year No. 4 with Lincoln Riley. This episode also has a Monday's Mailbag segment where I answer the questions and co...
Jul 21, 2025•31 min•Ep. 896
USC brought in a bunch of guys via the transfer portal during the offseason and if the Trojans want a chance to make the playoffs the transfers will have to payoff on the field. The Trojans added 15 guys since December and each of them will play an integral role with USC's success in 2025. In the show's second segment I'm going to illustrate how much better the defensive line recruiting has been since Lincoln Riley took over compared to what USC did the 5 years prior.--"YIKES!" And I wrap up the...
Jul 18, 2025•31 min•Ep. 895
Big Ten takes a stand against SEC's 8-game schedule. Will this reshape college football's landscape? Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad dissect the conference's bold move, demanding SEC alignment for playoff expansion. The hosts analyze Indiana's controversial non-conference schedule changes and debate Ohio State's projected 10.5-win total. Key discussions include the impact of road games, particularly Ohio State's trip to Wisconsin, and the push for scheduling uniformity across ...
Jul 18, 2025•28 min•Ep. 894
Jayden Maiava is going into his second season with Lincoln Riley, however, that is n't enough to change the opinions of those who rank the best quarterbacks in the country. According to the online publication, The Athletic, USC has the 13th best QB in an 18-team league. That seems hard to believe when Lincoln Riley is the head coach of your program. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #chadbowden #transferportal, #lasvegasbowl #Trojans #ucla #bruins #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootb...
Jul 17, 2025•32 min•Ep. 893
USC regained the No.1 class ranking just one day after Georgia leap frogged the Trojans. I'll explain what happened and I have some Tom Tom Topui evaluation feedback. While the country was wondering when USC's top-ranked class would start to drop in the rankings, something else happened instead, and I have the details behind the TomTom disrespect from Rivals. Jahkeem Stewart hasn't played a game for USC yet, however, he's already considered one of the team's most important players. I'll tell you...
Jul 16, 2025•32 min•Ep. 892
The new Rivals Top 300 rankings came out and there are a lot of raised eyebrows. USC's class dropped to No.2 because certain players saw their ranking drop. I have all of the details with the new top 300 list and I also have my own opinion on the matter. In the second segment, I talk about the 17 Trojans that landed in the top 300 list and if the rankings make any sense. There's a lot of disparity between the Rivals evaluations compared to 247 and ESPN. Have you ever wondered why the BIG 10 Conf...
Jul 15, 2025•30 min•Ep. 891
