USC may have never made the College Football Playoff, but according to Trojans great LenDale White, that streak is about to end. The former All-American says Lincoln Riley’s squad is ready to dominate in 2025 — and he can’t wait to see it happen.
LenDale White Sees USC in the Playoffs
We caught up with White at LAX as the Trojans gear up for a new season. Coming off a disappointing 7-6 campaign, many fans are skeptical about SC’s chances, but White remains confident:
“I feel like my Trojans will be in the College Football Playoffs. I believe in Lincoln. I believe we got some guys around here that’s gonna get the job done. And I’m excited to see what this year brings for us!”
The former running back clearly trusts Lincoln Riley to lead USC to glory — even as reports suggest the coach is on the hot seat after three middling seasons in Los Angeles.
The Modern College Football Challenge
White also shed light on why expectations for coaches today may be unrealistic, pointing to the current transfer and NIL landscape.
“When you’re a Trojan we’re supposed to win. We’re expected to win,” White said.
“I can understand what it is, but in this new day and age of the college athlete that can transfer out whenever they feel like it, as soon as it gets a little hard, they leave. It’s not like when you had the Pete Carroll’s or even the [Nick] Saban’s.”
White recalled how things were different during his playing days:
- Players couldn’t be legally compensated beyond scholarships
- Transfers often required sitting out a season
- Coaches like Pete Carroll and Nick Saban could maintain more roster stability
“When you can’t keep these players or keep the guys around all the time because they’re running away from competition, I can’t always put it on the coaches,” White explained.
A Trojan Legend’s Perspective
White starred at USC from 2003 to 2005, a period when the Trojans went 37-2 and won a National Championship, alongside Reggie Bush. That was before the College Football Playoff existed, which now expands the title hunt to 12 teams.
With that in mind, White believes USC will finally secure one of the coveted playoff spots in 2025.
“We’ve got the talent, the coach, and the mindset. It’s gonna be our year,” White told TMZ Sports.
The Trojans open their season in less than a week against Missouri State on Saturday, giving fans a first taste of what could be a playoff-worthy team.
Bonus: White on Reggie Bush
In addition to previewing USC’s season, White shared his thoughts on former backfield mate Reggie Bush, who recently appeared in “Happy Gilmore 2” on Netflix. White gave a glowing review, praising Bush’s energy and performance.
Check out the clips of White breaking down the movie and USC’s season expectations — it’s clear he’s excited about both the past and present of Trojans football.
💬 Do you think USC finally makes the College Football Playoff this year? Drop your predictions below!
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