Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball

Locked On USC podcast is the daily podcast that keeps you ahead of the games and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the USC Trojans. Hosted by Marc Kulkin, a columnist for WeAreSC.com, the Locked On USC podcast provides your daily USC Trojans fix with expert opinions, film reviews, interviews with athletes and coaches, recaps, local analysis, and coverage of all things Trojans. From the thunderous roar of the fans at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum to skills on display at the Galen Center, and everywhere in between, the Locked On USC podcast takes you beyond the headlines for the inside scoops from the biggest stories inside the Trojans’ locker room and the Big 10. The Locked On USC podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team. Every day.

  1. PRESSURE: USC's Playoff Push Begins As Jen Cohen Sets 2026 Bar!

    17h ago

    PRESSURE: USC's Playoff Push Begins As Jen Cohen Sets 2026 Bar!

    USC Trojans are setting bold expectations as Athletic Director Jen Cohen targets a College Football Playoff berth in 2026. With major pressure on head coach Lincoln Riley, the program is banking on high-profile hires like Gary Patterson and Mike Ekeler, a dominant recruiting class, and battle-tested returners to fuel a championship push. The alignment of new facilities, roster depth, and a stacked schedule against powerhouses like Oregon and Ohio State has fans hungry for a breakthrough season. Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino break down what success looks like for USC Football, the impact of Chad Bowden’s revamped front office and recruiting strategies, and the evolving expectations in the NIL era. The discussion tackles whether reaching the Rose Bowl or Omaha would truly satisfy the Trojan faithful—and if a return to a BCS-style playoff selection model could level the playing field in college football’s new landscape. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #NotreDame  #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball  Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min
  2. DRAMA: USC Offensive Line Recruiting Continues While Isaiah Bertola Continues To Visit More Schools

    1d ago

    DRAMA: USC Offensive Line Recruiting Continues While Isaiah Bertola Continues To Visit More Schools

    The Trojans football got some potential unexpected recruiting drama as top offensive line target Isaiah Bertola delays his commitment, prompting Lincoln Riley’s staff to extend a late offer to Thurman Lyles. Will Bertola still choose USC, or could rivals Cal, BYU, or Texas sway him away? Recruiting strategies and the need for a reliable plan B take center stage, adding intrigue to an otherwise steady recruiting cycle. Marc Kulkin breaks down the Trojans baseball team’s dramatic path back to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time in 21 years, powered by elimination game heroics, clutch performances from Augie Lopez, and dominant pitching against Texas A&M. Key discussions include the program’s turnaround under Andy Stankiewicz, historical context for USC’s postseason run, and what it will take to reach Omaha. Listener questions spark analysis of wide receiver depth, player development, and fan engagement on game days. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #NotreDame  #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball  Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Jayden Maiava’s Relentless Pursuit—How USC's QB Plans To Elevate The Trojans

    2d ago

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Jayden Maiava’s Relentless Pursuit—How USC's QB Plans To Elevate The Trojans

    Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava claims he hasn't accomplished anything yet—despite a strong 12-5 record and a standout QBR of 89.9. Is this mamba mentality the edge USC needs to return to championship contention? Marc Kulkin explores how Maiava’s relentless drive and commitment to a neutral mindset could fuel the Trojans’ playoff ambitions. Lincoln Riley’s reputation takes a hit as Athlon Magazine ranks him just seventh among Big Ten head coaches, sparking debate over whether legacy or recent results matter more. Plus, USC baseball lights up the regionals with a stunning 14-3 rout over Texas A&M, keeping their College World Series dreams alive. Can the Trojans sustain this momentum? Key takeaways on team mentality, coaching controversies, and the fight for postseason glory await in this high-stakes episode. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #NotreDame  #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball  Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  4. Official Visit: Will USC Get Another Commitment This Weekend?

    5d ago

    Official Visit: Will USC Get Another Commitment This Weekend?

    The Trojans are focused on a high-value target in their nearly locked-up 2027 recruiting class as the official visit season heats up. With 12 of 13 committed recruits on campus and all eyes on uncommitted priority target Isaiah Bertola, the Trojans aim to forge stronger team bonds and close commitments early—leaving little off-season drama for fans. Can “Coach Dog” and USC’s revamped recruiting approach land another key pledge before the June dead period? Host Marc Kulkin breaks down USC’s evolving recruiting strategy, the impact of early commitments, and the risks of leaving few spots open for late-blooming prospects. Plus, get a preview of the high-stakes USC vs. Oregon football showdown at the Coliseum, with insights on roster depth, quarterback matchups, and Gary Patterson’s defensive edge. Don’t miss the Friday rant, uniform hot takes, and updates on USC Baseball’s postseason run. Can USC’s front-loaded recruiting style secure a top-five class—or will surprises shake things up? #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #NotreDame  #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  5. BRUTAL: Three Of USC's First Four Games Have Challenging Kickoff Times!

    6d ago

    BRUTAL: Three Of USC's First Four Games Have Challenging Kickoff Times!

    USC Trojans fans brace for frustrating kickoff times as the first four games land on inconvenient slots, fueling speculation that networks are putting TV audiences ahead of the Coliseum crowd. With matchups against San Jose State, Fresno State, Louisiana, and Rutgers spread across NBC, FOX, Big Ten Network, and CBS, Marc Kulkin questions whether game day excitement is being sacrificed for viewership metrics. Marc provides a full breakdown of USC’s 2026 football schedule, ranking contests from easiest to toughest and analyzing key opponents like Oregon, Penn State, Indiana, and Ohio State. Recruiting insights highlight the Trojans’ cohesive 2027 class, a high-impact official visit weekend, and why the staff’s philosophy prioritizes early commits for long-term program stability. Can Lincoln Riley's squad thrive amid shifting Big Ten dynamics and a national spotlight—or will inconvenient scheduling dampen the home-field advantage this season? #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #NotreDame  #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  6. Debatable: Jayden Maiava’s Strengths Shine—But Will His Weaknesses Prevent A Trojans' Playoff Hopes?

    May 27

    Debatable: Jayden Maiava’s Strengths Shine—But Will His Weaknesses Prevent A Trojans' Playoff Hopes?

    USC quarterback Jayden Maiava faces fierce scrutiny as ESPN ranks USC’s QB room,Tier 2 despite Maiava’s big arm and vertical passing prowess. Can Maiava transform from a “very good” signal-caller into a true Heisman contender under Lincoln Riley’s guidance? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino break down ESPN’s recent “quarterback autopsy,” spotlighting Maiava’s strengths, decision-making under pressure, and the departure of key pass catchers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane to the NFL. How will USC’s offense adapt to fresh weapons, and does the ranking expose a national bias, with Oregon landing in the same tier despite elite talent? The hosts debate what separates Tier 1 from Tier 2, Riley’s candid assessment of Maiava’s spring progress, and what USC fans can expect in a pivotal 2026 campaign. Is Maiava the leader to end USC’s playoff drought? #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #NotreDame  #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  7. Two Options: The Trojans Will Be Great Or Average In 2026 Because There Is No Bad In The Forecast

    May 26

    Two Options: The Trojans Will Be Great Or Average In 2026 Because There Is No Bad In The Forecast

    USC football faces a pivotal crossroads: can Lincoln Riley silence doubters and deliver a breakthrough season, or is another “average” campaign looming despite a revamped roster and daunting Big Ten schedule? Marc Kulkin breaks down why the 2026 Trojans might be poised for 10+ wins—or risk stagnation—with Riley’s reliance on NIL, transfer portal moves, and a potentially Heisman-caliber quarterback in the spotlight. Are USC’s excuses running out, or will Riley prove he can win without a loaded cupboard? The episode also spotlights USC baseball’s return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002, analyzing their strong regular-season performance, elite pitching, and the snub that cost them a home regional. Key questions from the Locked On USC Mailbag cover NIL tax implications, the future of conference realignment, and Trojan family traditions. Don’t miss insights, rants, and fan-favorite tunnel song debates shaping the energy around all things USC athletics. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #NotreDame  #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    35 min
4
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

Locked On USC podcast is the daily podcast that keeps you ahead of the games and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the USC Trojans. Hosted by Marc Kulkin, a columnist for WeAreSC.com, the Locked On USC podcast provides your daily USC Trojans fix with expert opinions, film reviews, interviews with athletes and coaches, recaps, local analysis, and coverage of all things Trojans. From the thunderous roar of the fans at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum to skills on display at the Galen Center, and everywhere in between, the Locked On USC podcast takes you beyond the headlines for the inside scoops from the biggest stories inside the Trojans’ locker room and the Big 10. The Locked On USC podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team. Every day.

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