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USC Football: Lincoln Riley Reportedly Travels to Visit Elite Transfer Portal QB

This signal-caller would be a major get...
Jason Fray|
USC Football: Lincoln Riley Reportedly Travels to Visit Elite Transfer Portal QB
USC Football: Lincoln Riley Reportedly Travels to Visit Elite Transfer Portal QB

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USC Trojans

USC faces the reality of having to replace Heisman Trophy quarterback Caleb Williams next year.

It's essentially a foregone conclusion that Williams will enter the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point, the prospects of Miller Moss or Malachi Nelson starting next year for the Trojans seem a bit unrealistic. 

Moss hasn't played much football during his time with the program. Nelson is a former 5-star prospect with a lot of natural ability. Still, his game seemingly needs a bit more polish before being thrown into the proverbial fire. 

As such, it's no surprise to learn that Lincoln Riley is out on the recruiting trails aiming to find an impact player at the position. 

According to a report from Derek Young of KSO (On3Sports), Riley had a meeting with transfer portal QB Will Howard. Young even posted a flight log that indicated a trip from LA to Manhattan, Kansas took place. 

Howard has played his entire career at K-State. A native of Pennsylvania, the 6-foot-5 240-pound signal-caller offers a physical presence on the field. While his first two seasons in Manhattan weren't stellar, the last two showcased Howard's ability in a very positive way. 

In 2022-23, Howard led K-state to a combined 11-4 record. During this period, he combined for 39 TD passes to only 14 INTs. Howard also threw for 4,276 yards and rushed for 12 TDs in the process. 

It's still unknown as to whether Riley extended a scholarship offer. However, based on the fact he flew halfway across the country to speak with Howard in person, it probably indicates some real interest on USC's end. 

Also according to Young, he tweeted out that he believes Howard has also met with the likes of Nebraska, Miami, and Wisconsin since officially entering the portal. 

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Jason Fray
JASON FRAY

Jason Fray is a proud native of Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA in 2011, he's written for a number of publications -- including Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, Saturday Down South, and New Arena. In his downtime, he enjoys writing scripts, going to shows, weekly pub trivia with the boys, trying the best hole-in-the-wall food spots around town, and traveling (22 countries & counting). 

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