USC Legend Loves How Trojans are 'Recruiting Our A-- Off'

"And, you know, if you go back the last year, there are three or four games where you lose in the last 30 seconds. You know what I mean? You switch that, and all of a sudden, you're 10-2, and it's a whole different ball game," Leinart said.

USC fans have grown vocal about head coach Lincoln Riley and the direction the Trojans are going in. Riley's USC teams have declined in the win/loss category the past two seasons. Leinart also is aware that the recruiting landscape has changed dramatically, thanks to the transfer portal and NIL.

But he believes USC fans should exercise more patience with Riley and the Trojans.

"They started off strong. We had like 10 or 11 wins. I think this year, we've had a couple of setbacks, but I think what people forget is it does take time, and it takes time, especially with the portal and NIL. It's just a whole different beast now, right?" Leinart said. "You're recruiting against other teams. You're recruiting to keep your roster intact, you, all those things."

But he's loving how his alma mater stands alone as the nation's best recruiting class. This '26 class features two five-stars in tackle Keenyi Pope and tight end Mark Bowman. USC also flipped two Oregon pledges in defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui and quarterback Jonas Williams.