USC Trojans' Lake McRee Reflects on Clay Helton's Return to Coliseum

For the first time, the USC Trojans and Georgia Southern Eagles will meet, but coach Clay Helton brings a familiar presence back to Los Angeles. The former USC coach will lead the Eagles in their Week 2 matchup, revisiting familiar faces from his 2021 recruiting class.

Georgia Southern's first-year head coach Clay Helton watches the action Saturday against Georgia State at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. Vgastate3 | [FRANK FORTUNE/SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS] / USA TODAY NETWORK

After a dominant Week 1 victory, the USC Trojans turn to week 2 opponent, the Georgia Southern Eagles. The matchup marks the first time meeting for the Trojans and Eagles, and the return of a familiar face in Los Angeles.

Georgia Southern coach Clay Helton coached the USC Trojans from 2015-2021 before his tenure with the Eagles. Helton's time in LA produced a 46-24 record, alongside a 2017 Pac-12 title and Rose Bowl victory.

USC Trojans tight end Lake McRee was recruited by Helton in 2021, and he recently spoke about his time with Helton at USC and his thoughts on seeing his old coach again.

Lake McRee Reflects On Experience with Helton

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans tight end Lake McRee (87) scores on a 62-yard touchdown reception against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

McRee committed to USC in 2021 while Helton was head coach. The Austin, Texas native shared his positive remarks in his little time spent with Helton.

“(I) can't say enough good stuff about coach Helton at the end of the day," McRee said after Tuesday's practice. "That was a coach that I committed to out of high school and he gave me the opportunity to be at this prestigious university and that's why I've been here the past 5 years was because of him."

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McRee also commented on Helton's elite football mind, and what makes him a notable name in college football.

"I think just his preparation," McRee said. "You know, I obviously wasn't there too long, so I didn't even get to see a full season with him, only two games, but I think just the way he looks at the game, he's really smart mind, too. He's also really good in recruiting, too."

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans tight end Lake McRee (87) runs the ball against Utah State Aggies cornerback D.J. Graham II (4) during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Helton's USC 2021 recruiting class consists of elite college football and NFL talent, some who are still active on the Trojans roster. Alongside McRee, Helton's USC recruiting class features defensive backs Prophet Brown and Anthony Beavers Jr.

Houston Texans defensive backs Calen Bullock and Jaylin Smith also came from the elite recruiting class — Smith now in his rookie season, while Bullock heads into his second.

First-Time Meeting for Eagles and Trojans

Sep 21, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Southern Eagles head coach Clay Helton watches from the sideline during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

For the second week in a row, the Trojans face a first-time opponent. While week 2's matchup could feel familiar with Helton on the opposite sideline, this is the Trojans first time facing the Sun Belt Conference powerhouse.

The Eagles finished last season 8-5 and 6-2 in conference play and secured a post season bowl game appearance, marking Helton's third straight bowl game as the Eagles coach. Georgia Southern finished second in conference play right behind Marshall.

Georgia Southern has a solid signal-caller in JC French IV, who's in his third season with the Eagles.

Despite their season-opening loss to Fresno State, French got off on the right foot. He finished 17-for-28 passing, 158 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Last season French produced 269-for-410 passing, 2,831 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The Eagles wide receiver room is a group that compliments French, which includes receivers Camden Brown, Dalen Cobb and Josh Dallas.

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Georgia Southern's defense is what the Trojan offense needs to be careful of, which boasts an elite defensive back room. Among the group are Tracy Hill Jr., Chance Gamble and Davon Hicks. Gamble and Hill both were recognized as All-Sun Belt Selections last season.

For the Trojans, most areas look strong, with expectations of another strong showing this weekend. Quarterback Jayden Maiava finished 15-for-18 through the air, 295 yards and two touchdowns. Running backs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders are bound for another successful performance, entering Week 2 with a touchdown each.

Defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn's defense proved the offseason hype last weekend, with a group finish of five sacks, 13 points allowed, 11 tackles for loss, and three forced turnovers.

Helton and the Eagles will seek redemption in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this Saturday, which should make for a competitive matchup.