Last Monday morning, new USC football general manager Chad Bowden spent nearly an hour discussing his vision for the program with a group of reporters at Heritage Hall. He talked about the department he has built, his strategies for recruiting, and his confidence in the team’s readiness to win.
Bowden is adept at conveying messages. He understands what fans want to hear and he delivers it with enthusiasm.
He described USC head coach Lincoln Riley as “the best recruiter I’ve ever encountered,” and called athletic director Jen Cohen “a friggin’ animal” and “the best in the country—no comparison.” With regard to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources, Bowden stated that the Trojans will be “as aggressive as anyone—perhaps even the most aggressive.” He anticipates that once revenue sharing between schools and athletes is implemented this summer, USC will utilize it in a manner that allows them to “create a significant gap” with competitors. Bowden believes the program is “much closer than many realize” to achieving its highest aspirations.
It’s Bowden’s responsibility to promote the program to recruits, their families, and the boosters who will support the acquisition of elite talent that he and Riley hope to assemble.
He certainly comes across as persuasive.
Bowden radiates a natural confidence and conviction that, even without insider knowledge, makes his claims about USC’s new recruiting staff and increasing resources seem genuinely credible in narrowing the talent disparity with competing programs nationwide.
However, while confidence and vision are essential first steps, the true test will be how the 2026 USC recruiting class shapes up by signing day in December.
For the moment, though, the conversation is exciting for Trojans fans seeking reassurance that Riley can lead the program back to success after two disappointing seasons.
Let’s dive into everything we’ve learned so far about this new chapter in USC football recruiting—let’s analyze it in detail!
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