Why USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Is Confident In Wide Receivers Depth

The USC Trojans return its two leading receivers from a year ago in juniors Ja'Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon. However, USC coach Lincoln Riley expressed confidence in the depth of the Trojans receiver room heading into the season.

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) celebrates with wide receiver Makai Lemon (24) after the Holiday Bowl against the Louisville Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LOS ANGELES - USC Trojans star receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon are starting to get national attention, but the question for the Trojans heading into the season has been about the rest of room. 

With four of the Trojans top six receivers gone from a year ago, they will need a brand-new group to step up in 2025 for quarterback Jayden Maiava.  

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) celebrates a touchdown in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

USC coach Lincoln Riley addressed the receiver position and mentioned several players that have had an “outstanding camp”, including Prince Strachan, Zacharyus Williams, Tanook Hines, Jaden Richardson, Corey Simms, Jay Fair and Xavier “DJ” Jordan. 

“We've got some unique decisions to make, and kind of how we're going to play in some of these different personnel groupings, but I'm confident in the depth, it just got to sort out,” Riley said. 

Veteran USC Receivers 

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Prince Strachan (17) against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

USC transfer receivers Prince Strachan and Zacharyus Williams were two big additions in the winter and spring transfer portal windows, respectively. 

Strachan, a 6-foot-5 pass-catcher, appeared in 28 career games at Boise State over the last two seasons and gives USC another big target with plenty of experience. His size and length provide mismatches for smaller defensive backs, but he's also a long strider that can stretch a defense.

Williams offers position versatility and can play on the outside or in the slot. The Southern California native came on strong at the end of his freshman season at Utah last year and will look to carry that momentum with the Trojans. 

Richardson has become a major player in the USC receiver room. Before transferring to Southern Cal last season, he played four seasons at  Division III Tufts University in Massachusetts. 

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Fair will backup Lemon in the slot in three receiver formations. In 2023, with Auburn, the Dallas native ranked second of the receptions. Fair appeared in eight games with the Trojans last season and will play a more significant role in his final collegiate season.

Jordan, a former top 100 recruit in the 2024 cycle, did not take a single snap in his first season on campus. However, Riley and offensive coordinator Luke Huard have had lofty admiration for the progression of Jordan, both physically and mentally over the last year. The Sierra Canyon (Calif.) product is another receiver that offers position versatility. 

Freshmen Receivers 

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley on the sideline in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Simms was the lone receiver from the Trojans 2025 class to be on campus in the spring. The St. Louis native is physically impressive with his 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame and has the skillset to back it up. 

Simms battled an injury in fall camp but has been back at practice for the last week and figures to be someone that carves out a spot in the rotation. 

“Corey Simms has done some really good things. He had to miss a little bit of time in the middle of camp, but has come back strong and looks to have the ability to help this team this year,” Riley said. 

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Redshirt senior Lake McRee discussed the progression he’s seen from Simms and Hines through three weeks of camp. 

“Corey was here in spring, so he kind of was doing some good stuff and then he looks a lot more comfortable in fall camp since he was here last spring,” McRee said. “But I think Tanook has done an awesome job. He's made some really, really good plays that you normally don't see a freshman making, and it's super cool to see him build on that every single day, and it'll be cool to see what his role is this year.”