Lincoln Riley Sends Message on 'Overshadowed' USC 2025 Class

Lincoln Riley Sends Message on 'Overshadowed' USC 2025 Class originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The USC Trojans created quite the hoopla with their 2026 recruiting class. That group still ranks inside the top five nationally. Plus held the No. 1 spot throughout the spring before Georgia grabbed the top in July.

But is the 2025 USC class Lincoln Riley put together just as stacked? And why does it feel like that class is overshadowed by the '26 group?

Riley got asked the burning question about his '25 freshmen at Big Ten Media Days. He knows the attention nationally is focused on the loaded 2026 group -- which features prized five-stars Keenyi Pepe (tackle) and Mark Bowman (tight end). Plus includes former Oregon four-star commits Jonas Williams (quarterback) and Tomuhini Topui (defensive lineman).

But the incoming four-year head coach at USC fired off this message about his incoming first year CFB players.

"Well, I think that we're getting ready to get our opportunity to prove that right now," Riley said via 247Sports when asked why the nation shouldn't sleep on the '25 class. "I think there has been so much excitement about the '26 class, and in some ways, maybe publicly, it's overshadowed some of these guys."

Riley, however, isn't wavering from showing confidence in the class before the '26 crew.

"But I think once you see these guys get on the field, once you watch 'em play this season and beyond, I don't think that will exist as much. We're very proud of that class," Riley said of his 2025 members. "Fortunately for us, several of those guys were able to come in midterm, be a part of spring practice, and certainly there are a handful...more than a handful, a large number of players in that in that '25 class, that have an opportunity to impact us in a very positive way quickly. So looking forward to unveiling those guys this fall."

Two already made waves during spring practices. Five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet pushed Jayden Maiava for QB1 duties. Riley himself acknowledged competition remains in the QB room. Jahkeem Stewart is the second '25 freshman who impacted immediately. And figures to crack the defensive line rotation this fall.

USC landed 25 signings in the last cycle. Four-star tackles Alex Payne and Aaron Dunn helped comprise this class too. Same with four-star defensive back additions Trestin Castro and Alex Graham. The Trojans ranked 13th for 2025 by 247Sports.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.