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Lincoln Riley Didn’t Hesitate To Name USC’s Starting WRs for 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated May 23, 2025 5:25 PM ET

The USC Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley are gearing up for a critical season. Since arriving in 2022, the Big Ten powerhouse has seen its relevance slowly fade with dwindling win totals. From an 11-win season in Riley's USC debut in 2022 down to seven wins last year, all eyes are on the Trojans and whether the 41-year-old coach can right the ship.

Riley appeared on "Always College Football" with host Greg McElroy to discuss the program, the latest happenings from the Notre Dame rivalry drama, recruiting and more.

One major topic of conversation was the Trojans' offense, which was good but not great last year. Riley discussed two wideouts who, with another full offseason of practices under their belts, he expects to have a big season.

"Well, we return our best two," said Riley, speaking of receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane. "Those two guys ... are proven weapons at this level. And with a full offseason to get the continuity with Jayden (Maiava). Those two guys are as good a pair of receivers as there is in the country."

Last season, Lemon caught 52 passes for 764 yards and three touchdowns, and Lane contributed 43 receptions for 525 yards and 12 scores. They were part of a USC offense that finished 10th in the country in passing yards per game (291.9).

The team lacked a singular dominant force at the receiver position and instead relied on a team effort. No player produced more than 52 receptions or eclipsed the 800-yard mark last season. In fact, eight players had at least 23 catches and 245 receiving yards.

The Trojans added Prince Strachan, a transfer wide receiver from the Boise State Broncos. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wideout is a true "X" receiver with pro-ready length and size who delivered 25 receptions for 304 yards and a touchdown last season.

USC will be led by Jayden Maiava, who took over under center last season with mixed results. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound signal-caller from Hawaii transferred to USC ahead of last year from UNLV, where he was the 2023 Mountain West Freshman of the Year. He finished 2024 with 1,201 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The Trojans will begin their 2025 regular season at home against Missouri State on Saturday, August 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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