USC Trojans Land Elite Transfer Portal Receiver Zacharyus Williams From Utah

Four of the Trojans top six pass receivers from last season are gone, however they do bring back its top two in juniors Ja'Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon. The two former four-star recruits in the 2023 cycle had breakout campaigns in 2024. Lane's 12 receiving touchdowns ranked second in the Big Ten, only behind Ohio State's superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith. Lemon came on strong the second half of the season and finished first on the team in receptions (52) and receiving yards (764).

Lane has picked up where he left off this spring, making a pair of impressive one-handed catches that have gone viral, but more importantly, as a veteran in the room, he has taken on a leadership role.

"He's got some big goals for this team, and he wants to be a leader, and he wants to be someone that this team can count on each and every day and he knows the path to that is more consistency in all areas," Riley said. " He's doing a lot of things better than he ever has. He's got great intent for it. He continues to grow and progress and we're just going to need him to stay on that track."

Lemon battled a hamstring injury that kept him out through the first couple of weeks of spring practice. In his absence, some young receivers and Boise State transfer Prince Strachan have been impressive. Strachan appeared in 28 games over the past two seasons with the Broncos.

"Prince has had a good spring. He's just getting better. You can tell every day there's a little more confidence in what we're doing. Not necessarily just learning the plays but the techniques and how we're coaching the position. He's starting to really put it together and really shine, so proud of his progress," Riley said.

Riley has also pointed to early enrollee Corey Simms and redshirt freshman Xavier Jordan as two guys that have made tremendous strides this spring. Four-stars Tanook Hines and Romero Ison will join the team in the summer. The addition of Williams gives the Trojans another young and talented receiver, but also another pass catcher with some experience.