USC Lands Wide Receiver Flip Amid Roster Changes as Riley Rebuilds

USC head coach Lincoln Riley has repeatedly insisted he is fully committed to the Trojans, brushing off SEC interest and framing his future firmly in Los Angeles. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has mirrored that sentiment, focusing on the moment with his teammates rather than future possibilities.

Meanwhile, the Trojans’ recruiting actions are speaking volumes. Four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, previously committed to Ohio State, has switched his pledge to USC, signaling confidence in Riley’s vision for the program and providing a timely boost amid offseason uncertainty.

Dixon-Wyatt, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete from Oakland, California, had been committed to the Buckeyes since May. His flip represents both a recruiting victory for USC and a setback for Ohio State, following a season-ending 27-9 loss to the Buckeyes that knocked USC out of Playoff contention.

For Riley, the addition of Dixon-Wyatt aligns perfectly with the type of player he has targeted: long, athletic perimeter threats capable of stretching defenses and creating explosive opportunities in the passing game.

1. Recruiting Momentum with Dixon-Wyatt

The commitment of Kayden Dixon-Wyatt reflects Riley’s continued emphasis on high-level skill talent. His size, athleticism, and playmaking ability fit the Trojans’ offensive identity, which relies on fast, versatile receivers capable of creating space downfield. Landing a top-tier player away from Ohio State sends a strong signal to other recruits that USC remains an attractive destination, even amid national speculation about staff stability. Dixon-Wyatt’s flip also demonstrates the Trojans’ ability to respond to recent setbacks, including their loss to Ohio State, by showing that the program can still attract elite talent capable of immediately impacting the field. For Riley, this is part of a broader strategy to rebuild and refresh the roster while maintaining a competitive edge in the Pac-12 and on the national stage.

2. Departures and Transfer Portal Moves

Roster churn is a natural counterpart to incoming talent. Running back Bryan Jackson has entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining, according to Hayes Fawcett. Jackson, who carried 72 times for 311 yards and five touchdowns during his USC career—including 36 carries and multiple short-yardage scores this season—offers a physical, red-zone presence that should attract interest from programs in need of a power back. At 6-foot and 235 pounds, Jackson’s profile fits a range of programs, from Big Ten schools to former USC coach Lane Kiffin’s LSU team. His departure highlights the balancing act USC faces between retaining experienced contributors and welcoming new talent. The transfer portal has become a key tool for programs like USC, allowing them to reshape rosters quickly while providing players like Jackson opportunities to find fits elsewhere.

3. USC’s Vision Under Riley

Lincoln Riley’s approach is clear: while some veterans weigh their options, the program is focused on the next wave of talent. High-profile flips like Dixon-Wyatt reinforce this vision, demonstrating that USC can continue building a competitive roster despite departures and external uncertainty. Riley’s recruiting philosophy emphasizes speed, size, and versatility at skill positions, creating a blueprint that appeals to elite prospects seeking immediate playing opportunities and national exposure. As the Trojans navigate roster changes, the program can present a compelling narrative: joining a retooled offense poised to strike back in the Pac-12 and beyond. If USC maintains momentum in recruiting and continues to attract top-tier talent, the program can insulate itself from coaching rumors and player departures, keeping focus on building sustained success.