Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Versatile Incoming USC Defender Reveals Where He'll Line up

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 8:41 PM ET

USC is luring more than future cornerstones to the Land of Troy via the 2026 recruiting class. The Trojans have versatile talent coming in. Including one heading to the defensive backfield following National Signing Day in December.

Except this defender now has an idea of where he'll line up when his time comes.

Madden Riordan gained new clarity of his future USC role during his weekend of June 21 official visit. Riordan is one of the longest running verbal commits for the USC '26 class -- as he's been committed to USC and Lincoln Riley since Nov. 2023. He's also a prized local get for the Trojans as he stars for Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth.

Riordan is known for his versatility on the defensive side, including playing cornerback. But he clarified what his role will be with Jarrett Perez of 247Sports Tuesday. Especially after speaking with his future defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn.

"My meeting with coach Lynn basically confirmed my position as a nickel safety and just what I would provide to the defense," Riordan said.

This means Lynn will trust Riordan to take on the slot wide receiver and play close to the line of scrimmage. Greg Biggins of 247Sports wrote down how Riordan already brings the coveted skills for that role in a previous prospect evaluation.

"Strengths include his football instincts, ball awareness, ball skills and feel for the position," Biggins wrote. "One of those players who plays fast, 1-2 steps ahead of everyone because of his instincts, how he reads the game and his feel for the position."

Riordan brings future ball-hawking potential to the USC defense. Lynn likely will love his instinctive side.

But are there areas USC wants to see more of from Riordan before he tackles his senior season? Particularly with his 150-pound frame?

"They said they just want me to keep being me. That's a thing they kept saying. Like, don't change anything to compensate," he told Perez. "They want me to get my body right and ready. Slowly but surely. I'm not trying to rush putting on that weight. So I'm going to keep it where I'm at and then get to USC and be ready for their weight program that fits me best instead of just winging it right now and putting on bad weight."

Riordan has since witnessed the USC '26 class blossom to 30 total verbal commits. And claiming No. 1 across the nation for recruiting classes.

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

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