Matt Leinart Shares What he 'Wants' to See USC Pull Off in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 4:03 PM ET

Matt Leinart has his eye on all things college football. Even in his post USC Trojans life. The Heisman Trophy winner still isn't shy about his fandom for the alma mater. And shared what he "wants" to see the 2025 Trojans pull off this time.

Leinart spoke to D.J. Siddiqi of Forbes about his hope for USC. The left-handed quarterback witnessed way too many letdown moments involving Lincoln Riley and company.

The Fox Sports Big Noon Kickoff analyst fired off what he hopes will change out of this Trojans crew.

"I want to see them close out a game," says Leinart. "I want to see them make a tackle on third down to get off the field. I want to see them run the ball more to win a game, four-minute offense, let's run the ball, control the clock and win this game. I want to see those things."

And he's not the only one who hopes USC can accomplish these marks.

"I think I speak for a lot of USC fans, or just college football fans, those are the things that I want to see that I feel like, 'Oh, we're doing that,'" Leinart said.

Leinart notices some optimism. In the form of the younger crop of Trojans coming in especially for 2026.

"We're on the right path, and we have the No. 1 recruiting class next year," says Leinart. "USC is starting to get the guys. Now it's, can you improve upon that?"

Leinart watched USC build the nation's top-ranked recruiting class by the major outlets throughout the spring and early summer. USC remains No. 1 by On3/Rivals.

But Leinart watched USC allow games to slip away too many times. The Trojans lost fourth quarter leads to Michigan, Minnesota, Penn State, Maryland and Washington in 2024. USC would've gone 11-1 in the regular season had the Trojans kept those leads. And likely earn a bid for the College Football Playoffs.

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

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