Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball
Sports
About
Locked On USC podcast is the daily podcast that keeps you ahead of the games and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the USC Trojans. Hosted by Marc Kulkin, a columnist for WeAreSC.com, the Locked On USC podcast provides your daily USC Trojans fix with expert opinions, film reviews, interviews with athletes and coaches, recaps, local analysis, and coverage of all things Trojans. From the thunderous roar of the fans at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum to skills on display at the Galen Center, and everywhere in between, the Locked On USC podcast takes you beyond the headlines for the inside scoops from the biggest stories inside the Trojans’ locker room and the Big 10. The Locked On USC podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team. Every day.
Episodes
- UNWANTED CHANGE: Does Playoff Expansion Ruin College Football’s Regular Season for USC Fans?
The episode discusses how college football playoff expansion could affect USC. Host Marc Kulkin and author Chris Arledge explore potential impacts on the regular season, USC's rivalries like USC vs. Notre Dame, and West Coast recruiting.
- BIG 10 SQUAD: The College Football Playoff may EXPAND TO 24 TEAMS | How this impacts USC
The Big Ten football coaches are discussing a potential expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams and the removal of conference championship games. The episode debates the impact of this expansion on the sport's exclusivity, jo…
- BREAKING: USC's Recruiting Dominance May Have Secured Another Commitment
Marc Kulkin and Scott Schrader analyze USC's recruiting success, focusing on the 2027 class, key prospects like Gavin Williams, and the impact of Gary Patterson's defensive strategy.
- GUARANTEED: USC's Playoff Ticket Was Punched — Lincoln Riley Faces New Expectations To Win
Locked On USC discusses USC football
- SCHEDULE MYTH: USC's' Playoff Hopes Are High Despite ‘A Tough Path
This episode analyzes the USC Trojans' 2026 football season, examining whether their challenging schedule impacts their playoff aspirations. It covers pivotal games, position group assessments, recruiting updates, and the team's physicalit…
- USC's Defensive Line Takeover: The Trojans California Top Talent Pipeline Is Flowing
USC is dominating California recruiting, securing top defensive line talent like Alifeleti Tuihalamaka and adding Roye Oliver to the 2027 class. This success raises questions about USC's potential for a new powerhouse era under Lincoln Ril…
- USC Was Overlooked: The Trojans and Jayden Maiava Challenge The Power Rankings—Are Experts Wrong?
Marc Kulkin analyzes the USC Trojans' position in Big Ten preseason power rankings and discusses the team's potential for playoff contention. The episode covers the impact of new talent, the role of Gary Patterson, and concerns regarding N…
- BIG 10 SQUAD: The NCAA Tournament is EXPANDING | How this affects USC
The Big Ten Squad podcast discusses potential NCAA Tournament expansion and its impact on college football playoffs. They also analyze team outlooks, including Michigan State, and question the influence of money on the future of college sp…
- USC Recruiting Is Making The Rest Of The Country Change Their Strategy
USC's aggressive NIL recruiting strategy is changing college football, potentially setting a new national standard. The episode discusses million-dollar offers, top recruiting classes, and USC's efforts to retain elite prospects, analyzing…
- The California Recruiting Road Goes Through USC First!
Locked On USC covers USC's recruiting dominance in California, highlighting key prospects and recruiting strategies. The episode analyzes the challenges of recruiting top talent and the impact of NIL and NCAA rule changes.
- USC Recruiting Is Dominating California: The Trojans have Four Of The Top 10 Players Committed!
The USC Trojans are dominating California recruiting, securing four of the top 10 prospects in the 2027 class. The episode also covers USC men
- USC's NFL Draft Results: Did It Meet The Trojans Standard?
USC had only three players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, raising questions about player development. Makai Lemon, Ja'Kobi Lane, and Kamari Ramsey were drafted, but questions remain about discipline and production holding back prospects.…
- SHOCKED: USC's Makai Lemon SLIDES In The NFL Draft
USC WR Makai Lemon slides in the NFL Draft, surprising fans. Hosts discuss team decisions, USC's draft legacy, and player rankings.
- BIG 10 SQUAD: NEW College Football Playoff Format IMMINENT | What this means for USC
The Big Ten Squad podcast analyzes the controversy surrounding a proposed 24-team College Football Playoff, debating its impact on tradition and regular season intensity. They also discuss the Purdue Boilermakers' challenging football seas…
- VULNERABLE: USC Cornerbacks Must Defend Against Criticism—Can Marcelles Williams Emerge?
The episode discusses the challenges USC
- PORTAL GAMBLE: Will Lincoln Riley & Chad Bowden Have Any Regrets?
The episode discusses USC Trojans football's gamble in passing on transfer portal safeties and assesses the readiness of their young secondary. It also explores Lincoln Riley's comments on the championship window and analyzes the team's po…
- BREAKOUT: Why Christian Pierce Needs To Dominate The Safety Position For USC Football In 2026
The episode discusses Christian Pierce's critical role at safety for USC Trojans Football in 2026, under Gary Patterson's defense. It examines Pierce's potential to transform the defense, considering his physical attributes and run support…
- USC's Best Case Scenario: Desman Stephens Is The Key To The Defense
On Locked On USC, Marc Kulkin and Marvin Powell III analyze how linebacker Desman Stephens could anchor USC's defense. They discuss the competition at the position and the team's outlook for the upcoming Big Ten season.
- EXPERIENCE MATTERS:: The Veterans Are In A Position To Surge
Marc Kulkin discusses the impact of veteran USC Trojan defenders, including Jide Abasiri, Kameryn Crawford, Braylon Shelby, and Marcelles Williams, as Gary Patterson revamps the defense. The episode also touches on recruiting and a
- BIG 10 SQUAD: The Big 10's Latest SCANDAL | How this impacts USC
The Locked On Big Ten Squad debates the NCAA's sanctions on Iowa football, questioning the penalty's fairness and impact, especially compared to powerhouses. They also discuss leadership changes at Wisconsin and evolving spring game format…
- INSIDE STRAIGHT: USC Reloads as Lincoln Riley and Gary Patterson TRANSFORM Trojans’ Defense Fast
Marc Kulkin analyzes USC's defensive strategy changes under Lincoln Riley and Gary Patterson, focusing on safety versatility, linebackers, and the impact on recruiting and playoff prospects. The episode also touches on NCAA transfer portal…
- INSIDE THE TROJANS HUDDLE: The Assistant Coaches Had Their Muzzles Removed
This episode of Locked On USC analyzes the USC Trojans coaching staff's efforts to improve the defensive line, focusing on player development, leadership, and strategic changes for the upcoming season. The discussion includes insights on k…
- Candid Takes: USC's Assistant Coaches Had A Lot To Say About The Team!
USC assistant coaches met with local media to discuss the team's spring camp. Defensive line coach Shaun Nua provided a candid assessment of his biggest takeaway from the camp.
- USC QB FUTURE: Did Lincoln Riley Find His Next QB Prospect?
Marc Kulkin discusses USC
- Deadline: Is USC Accelerating The 2027 Commitments With So Few Spots Left
The USC Trojans football team is actively recruiting for the 2027 class, with limited spots remaining. Hosts discuss the implications of this for elite prospects, roster strategy at key positions like quarterback, and the influence of NIL.
- The USC Impact: How The Trojans' Recruiting Momentum Changes The Local Race For Charles Davis
USC's recruiting success is creating an arms race in Southern California, with rivals UCLA and Oregon scrambling for top prospects. The episode discusses USC's strategy, potential roster saturation issues, and the necessary defensive impro…
- BIG 10 SQUAD: 5 For 5 is NEARING | What this means for USC
The Big Ten conference celebrates national championship victories in men's basketball, football, and women's basketball. The podcast roundtable discusses the proposed 'five for five' eligibility rule, the impact of older athletes, NIL infl…
- USC Is STACKING Talent:Recruiting Bombs Are Incoming
Host Marc Kulkin discusses USC's 2027 recruiting efforts, highlighting key players like Drew Fielder and Javon Vital Jr., and the depth at wide receiver. The episode also touches on underclassmen leadership and addresses listener questions…
- CONFIDENT: Trojans' 2026 Schedule REVEALED—Chad Bowden and Lincoln Riley Face Top-Ranked Threats!
The 2026 USC Trojans football schedule is revealed, including matchups against Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana. Hosts analyze spring practice, quarterback Jayden Maiava's development, and recent recruiting successes.
- No Excuses: Chad Bowden Declares Playoffs With USC's Perfect Schedule
USC aims for the playoffs with their 2026 Big Ten schedule, facing home games against Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State. Host Marc Kulkin and guest Chris Trevino discuss the team's 17 returning starters, linebacker Desman Stephens, and de…
- REVEALED: USC Trojans Depth Chart
The USC Trojans are preparing for their Big Ten debut amidst injuries, with Jaden Maiava set to start at quarterback. The episode details the revamped offensive line, key players at running back and wide receiver, and the defensive front c…
- OFFENSIVE LINE DOMINANCE: How USC Must DELIVER In 2026 Playoff Push
The podcast previews USC's 2026 playoff aspirations, focusing on offensive line dominance, the run game, and wide receiver depth. It also covers defensive priorities with new coaches and linebacker performance, exploring key matchups and r…
- UNSTOPPAB:E: USC Trojans and Jayden Maiava DEMONSTRATE Swagger, Eye Massive Playoff Push
Lincoln Riley
- USC's Mental Toughness: What Signs Has Lincoln Riley Seen This Spring That's Different?
Host Marc Kulkin discusses USC's developing mental toughness and special teams improvements for the 2026 season with insights from Gary Patterson and Mike Eckler. The episode highlights key returners, player accountability, and the team's…
- BIG 10 SQUAD: The Big 10 is CRUSHING March Madness | Will Michigan & Illinois MEET in the Final?
The Big 10 conference's significant impact on college sports, particularly in football and basketball, is discussed. The episode analyzes Michigan and Illinois' NCAA tournament prospects, the influence of NIL and the transfer portal, and t…
- BREAKING: Can USC's Freshmen Giants Challenge The Returning Starters For Opening Day Spots?
Locked On USC analyzes USC
- USC SPECIAL TEAMS OBSESSION: Trojans 2026 Strategy—No More Self-Destruction
The Locked On USC episode discusses USC's special teams strategy for 2026 under Mike Ekeler, aiming to reduce self-destruction and improve playoff chances. It highlights spring practice intensity, coaching focus on discipline and communica…
- FINISH STRONG: What If USC Spring Camp Has Been Too Physical?
Host Marc Kulkin discusses USC
- USC RECRUITING IS ON FIRE: Drew Fielder Flips, California's Wall Goes Up, Recruiting Explodes
USC is dominating college football recruiting, securing commitments like Drew Fielder and Josiah Poyer while preventing rivals from accessing California talent. Hosts discuss the impact of coaches like Lincoln Riley and Chad Bowden, the de…
- USC's Donor Discipline: Lincoln Riley Publicly Holds Defense Accountable During Practice
USC football coach Lincoln Riley publicly held the defense accountable during practice, focusing on detail and discipline. Hosts discuss the potential impact of donor influence, NIL, player performance, and rising ticket prices.
- BIG 10 SQUAD: Big 10 QB DEBATE | Where USC Stacks up
This episode analyzes the Big 10 quarterback rankings, including Dante Moore and Julian Sayin, and discusses the conference's performance in the NCAA tournament and the transfer portal.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: USC Coaches Send A Strong Message With Spring Camp Reminder!
USC football is implementing a new era of discipline and competition under Coach Mike Williams, focusing on accountability and improved defensive performance. The episode discusses new staff, talented players, recruiting, and the team's po…
- NO EXCUSES: The Trojans Enter PROVE-IT Mode as Waymond Jordan Injury Tests Spring Camp Depth
USC football is intensifying spring camp as Coach Lincoln Riley removes limitations. With 17 returning starters and focus on key players like Waymond Jordan, Walter Matthews, and Tucker Ashcraft, the team faces competition for rotation spo…
- Crunching The Numbers: Why USC's Recruiting Will Have A Limit With The Local Stars
Marc Kulkin analyzes USC's recruiting strategy, highlighting how NIL budgets and roster restrictions impact securing local talent and managing high-profile prospects. The discussion covers positional needs, roster health, and future recrui…
- DEPTH CHART SHAKEUP: A Two Week Depth Chart Analysis
The episode discusses USC's spring depth chart shakeups, highlighting defensive line changes with Kameryn Crawford and Jahkeem Stewart, and portal additions like Devin Bryant. Offensive line adjustments with Elijah Page and Tobias Raymond…
- The Trojans Want To Unleash Jayden Maiava—Will His Leadership DRAG Them Into The Playoffs?
This episode of Locked On USC discusses quarterback Jayden Maiava's development and its potential impact on the Trojans' playoff aspirations. Hosts analyze Maiava's progress under Lincoln Riley and Luke Huard, focusing on reducing turnover…
- BIG 10 SQUAD: Spring Ball is HERE | How USC looks headed into 2026
The Locked On USC podcast discusses USC football's defensive changes under Gary Patterson and key spring storylines, including coaching hires and freshman impact. They also debate the NCAA Tournament futures of Big Ten basketball teams lik…
- Roster Adversity: Will Jonas Williams SURPASS Sam Huard As Jayden Maiava's Backup?
The episode discusses USC Trojans football, including quarterback depth with a focus on Jonas Williams and Sam Huard, defensive coaching insights from Gary Patterson and Paul Gonzalez, and the impact of seasoned players. It also touches on…
- DETAIL OBSESSED: Lincoln Riley’s New And Improved Spring Camp Strategy
USC Trojans
- BELIEVE: Can USC’s Defense Finally DOMINATE Under Gary Patterson? Spring Camp Overhaul Revealed
The USC Trojans football team is undergoing a defensive transformation under new coach Gary Patterson, with significant changes expected in spring camp. Discussions also cover offensive line battles, freshman standouts, and key recruiting…