So what does SC do for a backup QB?

They have a backup. The kid was ahead of Nelson on the depth chart. Jake Jensen is the kids name. Riley wants two more on top of this for four total on the roster.

Jake Jensen (USC 2022 commit*QB.Duel-Threat ) Contra Costa College San Pablo CA 2021 Highlights. (youtube.com)

The big NIL guys are gone...but there are very serviceable backups that would come and learn under Riley.

I don't think it's an issue.

If Nelson was smart, he'd stay...

Juco is probably the best bet. Unless you find a portal kid that is actually interested in a degree from usc and it's worth sitting on the bench hoping for a chance to play.

I think it's a great problem to have. Clearly there were factions in the team or dissension of some sort Lot of talent to leave for it not to be that way.

Moss was a very popular player w other players because of his longevity. Work ethic. Suffering etc. All the non 5 star prima Donna's could relate. Those who had to work. Thsts rare at usc where everyone arrives as an overhyped coddled superstar and expects it to continue.

So moss is qb1. Great. We can pick him apart later. I'm sure Michigan lsu etc certainly will.

Meanwhile I think you go get a kid like rapey Arizona de Laura. Johnson from Utah. Possibly a top flight d2 type kid like cam ward was. How many are willing to sit? I think you sell the idea that Moss had one game. And this is far from settled. And that Caleb took a lot of hits the last two years. And the Trojans expect the quarterback to run which means there are probably going to be some games he can't play he's injured and there will be opportunities to show what you can do.

The rest is up to you. I think that sales pitch brings in a decent backup. For third string? Man. Good question.

Also isn't the next superstar coming in the fall of 26 not 25? Lot to expect him to start as a frosh true frosh

Moss will start in 24 and 25. I'd hope he would not bail if he had a good 24. USC could probably recruit a decent qb2 from the portal each year. Riley is highly regarded and a lot of guys would love to just be in that qb room

Still quite a few names in the Transfer Portal. Many are gonna be Juniors, Seniors or RS-Seniors which I don't see them willing to sit behind Moss....Not many freshmen...but there is a few.

QB Mack Howard in portal from Utah... 3-star, 50th ranked QB 2022 by 247 his year...HS highlights on 247...young guy who may be willing to sit for 2 years to learn the system.

Another young QB is Kasen Weisman who is transferring out of Colorado (I liked his tape too)

Two older QBs:

QB Dylan Morris grad trasfer out of UW

QB Ben Finley grad transfer out of Cal

Both might just be looking for free grad school.

I think USC really needs to recruit Malachi Nelson to stay (unless he's a headcase). He is still young and would have 2 years to start after Moss leaves.

https://247sports.com/season/2024-football/transferportalpositionranking/

More and more schools will have this problem with the portal. Not just USC but right now we have other problems to be solved not just this one.

Entz and Jen will figure it out. 208 has no clue what to do. Lost and wondering.