'Worst Case Scenario' for USC Involves Key 2025 Returner Not Being 'The Answer'

Fornelli believes quarterback play could doom the '25 Trojans. 

"They should've been more active in the portal looking for a quarterback because Jayden Maiava isn't the answer," Fornelli began with his "worst case scenario" argument. 

Granted USC did tap into the portal to address QB. Former five-star and past Pac-12 rival Sam Huard is on board this season. Maiava himself is a past portal talent who came via UNLV. He ultimately snatched the starting QB reins toward the end of the '24 season. 

Maiava showed flashes of his potential late in '24. Plus earned the confidence of Riley to handle QB1 duties despite a push from five-star true freshman Husan Longstreet during the spring. Yet Maiava still feels the heat of this season -- given USC's impressive recruiting results while also attempting to rebuild itself from a dismal 7-6 campaign. 

But Maiava isn't the only "worst case scenario" label from Fornelli. He made this prediction if the worse happens to the Trojans. 

"The interior of the offensive line struggles, leading to problems in both the passing offense and the rushing offense. The same road struggles we saw last year continue in 2025, and the defense doesn't improve at all," he said. 

Like Maiava, the defense is under immense pressure to improve. USC landed five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart for the 2025 class. USC also hired Trovon Reed away from UCF to serve as cornerbacks coach. But even nabbed longtime NFL assistant Rob Ryan to serve as linebackers coach. 

Fornelli concludes that at worst, USC becomes a 5-7 team that starts 4-0 but begins to falter with a loss to Illinois. Then drops their rivalry game to UCLA.