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. GUARANTEED: USC's Playoff Ticket Was Punched — Lincoln Riley Faces New Expectations To Win

    4H AGO

    GUARANTEED: USC's Playoff Ticket Was Punched — Lincoln Riley Faces New Expectations To Win

    USC Football got a major boost as the NCAA’s playoff expansion virtually guarantees Lincoln Riley’s squad an annual ticket to the College Football Playoff. Is reaching the postseason no longer enough—will Riley now be judged by deep playoff runs? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino debate how this shift changes expectations, what it means for high-profile programs, and how coaching contracts and recruiting priorities might evolve. Recruiting takes center stage as USC’s 2027 class nears completion, with discussions on key targets like Gavin Williams and Drew Fielder. The hosts break down positional needs, recent reclassifications, and whether USC’s defensive upgrades under Gary Patterson and Mike Ekeler will be the difference-maker. Plus: which running back, King Miller or Waymond Jordan, will claim the starting role, and can the Trojans edge out rivals like UCLA in recruiting rankings? Don’t miss this sharp analysis of USC’s playoff future and roster strategy. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlifeletiTuihalamaka #RoyeOliver #MakaiBrown #IsiahVandermade #MarcusFakatou #JamieonWinfield #LukeWafle #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs 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 two-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.

    42 min
  2. SCHEDULE MYTH: USC's' Playoff Hopes Are High Despite ‘A Tough Path

    1D AGO

    SCHEDULE MYTH: USC's' Playoff Hopes Are High Despite ‘A Tough Path

    The Trojans are gearing up for a high-stakes 2026 season as national pundits rank their schedule among the toughest in college football—does it really matter for their playoff dreams? Marc Kulkin breaks down where USC stands among top contenders like Texas, Oklahoma, and Ohio State,, detailing pivotal matchups against Oregon, Washington, Penn State, and Ohio State at the Coliseum. Position battles heat up as Marc also assesses the Trojans’ quarterback depth, defensive line upgrades, and lingering concerns at linebacker and safety. Listener questions spotlight USC’s recruiting resurgence in California, the impact of Chad Bowden’s strategy, and the future roles for newcomers like Vlad Dyakonov. Can Lincoln Riley’s squad silence critics who doubt their physicality in the Big Ten? Get expert insights, fan perspectives, and everything you need to know about USC’s path to the College Football Playoff. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlifeletiTuihalamaka #RoyeOliver #MakaiBrown #IsiahVandermade #MarcusFakatou #JamieonWinfield #LukeWafle #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs 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 two-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
  3. USC's Defensive Line Takeover: The Trojans California Top Talent Pipeline Is Flowing

    2D AGO

    USC's Defensive Line Takeover: The Trojans California Top Talent Pipeline Is Flowing

    USC continues to dominate California recruiting—snagging top defensive line talent Alifeleti Tuihalamaka. The Trojans will also add Roye Oliver to boost their 2027 football class after he reclassified. With six of California’s top 12 prospects now committed, and nine of the state’s top 25 secured last cycle, is USC locking down the road to another powerhouse era under Lincoln Riley? Marc Kulkin breaks down USC’s strategic wins on the recruiting trail, Tuialamaka’s potential impact on the defensive line, and why Marcus Fakatou’s omission signals a seismic shift in roster prioritization. Key topics include positional depth at edge and interior line, the implications for UCLA and other rivals, and what these moves mean for the Trojans’ Big Ten campaign. Are the Trojans building a foundation for dominance—or can UCLA and national foes close the gap before USC’s promising class takes the field? #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlifeletiTuihalamaka #RoyeOliver #MakaiBrown #IsiahVandermade #MarcusFakatou #JamieonWinfield #LukeWafle #NCAA  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 two-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.

    27 min
  4. USC Was Overlooked: The Trojans and Jayden Maiava Challenge The Power Rankings—Are Experts Wrong?

    5D AGO

    USC Was Overlooked: The Trojans and Jayden Maiava Challenge The Power Rankings—Are Experts Wrong?

    The USC Trojans cracked the Big Ten Conference's top five in preseason power rankings, but does their incoming talent have what it takes to push them into playoff contention? Marc Kulkin spotlights Crain & Cone Show's rankings—putting Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana ahead—while questioning whether Michigan’s edge in the trenches still holds after last season’s Coliseum showdown. The debate heats up over Jayden Maiava's snub from NFL draft lists and how the arrival of Gary Patterson could reshape USC’s physical identity. Immediate impact freshmen like Luke Wafle, Ethan "Boobie" Feaster, and Mark Bowman headline the next wave of talent ready to break out. Marc Kulkin also sounds off on the NCAA’s proposed playoff and tournament expansions, warning that chasing participation trophies could dilute the regular season’s meaning. Should USC settle for a spot outside the top 12, or is it win big or bust? Listeners get insider perspectives on USC’s road ahead and what must change for postseason glory. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #BigTenPowerRankings #JaydenMaiava #LukeWafle #BoobieFeaster #MarkBowman #GaryPatterson #OhioStateFootball #OregonDucks #MichiganWolverines #IndianaFootball #collegefootballplayoffs #cfp #collegefootballnews #USCFreshmenImpact #USCvsMichigan 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 two-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
  5. USC Recruiting Is Making The Rest Of The Country  Change Their Strategy

    6D AGO

    USC Recruiting Is Making The Rest Of The Country Change Their Strategy

    USC shook up the college football recruiting landscape as NIL spending surges — has USC set a new national standard that rivals can’t match? Marc Kulkin and Brian Smith from Locked On's The Portal Show break down the Trojans’ aggressive approach in the NIL era, spotlighting million-dollar offers, top-ranked 2026 and 2027 recruiting classes, and USC’s ability to keep California’s elite prospects home. The conversation features insights on major recruits like Javon Vital Jr., Makai Brown, and Drew Fielder, with analysis of market value, portal needs, and whether USC’s strategy edges out programs like Oregon, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. Hot topics include evolving NCAA eligibility rules, shifting portal dynamics, and which high-profile defensive linemen USC must lock down next. Can Lincoln Riley’s resourceful NIL playbook deliver a championship foundation — or does the coming transfer frenzy threaten roster stability? Get essential recruiting updates and inside takes on USC’s path to gridiron dominance. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #transferportal, #Trojans #beattheirish #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #defense #FOOTBALL #oregonducks #washingtonhuskies #instantreaction #ncaafootball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #defense #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #pff,  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 two-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.

    33 min
  6. The California Recruiting Road Goes Through USC First!

    APR 29

    The California Recruiting Road Goes Through USC First!

    The USC Trojans have asserted dominance on the California recruiting scene, locking in four of Rivals’ top 10 in-state prospects and setting sights on elite talent like Gavin Williams. Can USC hold off rivals Notre Dame and UCLA to secure the secondary’s future and expand their stronghold in the Golden State? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino from WeAreSC.com breaks down the Trojans’ recruiting wins, potential portal moves for the safety position, and the unique challenges of targeting 2027 and 2028 prospects amid a fast-evolving landscape. Hot topics include NIL’s influence, the reclassification trend, and the NCAA’s proposed five-year eligibility limit starting at age 19. The conversation spotlights major California standouts—Honor Fa'alave-Johnson, Alifeleti Tuihalamaka (“Tolo”), Elisha Mueller, and Malachi Davis—and examines the impact of official visit strategies, transfer portal gambles, and looming NCAA rule changes on USC’s roster-building approach. Will USC’s momentum carry into the next recruiting cycle? #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #transferportal, #Trojans #beattheirish #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #defense #FOOTBALL #oregonducks #washingtonhuskies #instantreaction #ncaafootball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #defense #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #pff,  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 two-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
  7. USC Recruiting Is Dominating California: The Trojans have Four Of The Top 10 Players Committed!

    APR 28

    USC Recruiting Is Dominating California: The Trojans have Four Of The Top 10 Players Committed!

    The Trojans continue to surge in California recruiting, locking down four of Rivals’ top 10 2027 prospects—including Honor Fa'alave-Johnson, Quentin Hale, Danny Lang, and Drew Fielder. Could the Trojans soon claim half of the state’s elite talent? Marc Kulkin breaks down the latest rankings, uncovers the methods behind Rivals’ evaluations, and debates the value of star ratings. Are subjective rankings holding USC back, or is the program’s recruiting strategy stronger than ever? USC men’s basketball gets a boost as Alijah Arenas returns, assembling what could be Coach Eric Musselman’s most talented roster yet. Updates on key transfer arrivals, including center Eric Riebe and guards Jalen Cox and K.J. Lewis, set expectations high. Plus, Marc Kulkin tackles listener mailbag questions on quarterback transfers, safety depth, and the fallout from USC’s underwhelming NFL Draft showing. Can the Trojans capitalize on experience and reload for a standout season? #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #transferportal, #Trojans #beattheirish #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #defense #FOOTBALL #oregonducks #washingtonhuskies #instantreaction #ncaafootball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #defense #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #pff,  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 two-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
4
out of 5
67 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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