USC Football

The NCAA approved student-athletes benefitting from their name, image and likeness, but it won't reverse its actions against former USC star Reggie Bush.

Bush won the Heisman Trophy in 2005, but his records were vacated in 2010 after it was determined he received improper benefits at the school. He forfeited the Heisman Trophy as well.

The 36-year-old told TMZ Sports he has tried to get his record cleared based on new name, image and likeness rules, but it hasn't worked:

Over the last few months, on multiple occasions, my team and I have reached out to both the NCAA and The Heisman Trust in regard to the reinstatement of my college records and the return of my Heisman.

We left multiple messages for Michael Comerford, the President of the Heisman Trust but instead received a call from Rob Whalen, the Executive Director, who stated that Mr. Comerford would not be calling us back and that, in any event, they could not help us.

The NCAA also reportedly offered "no help."

Bush provided additional thoughts on Twitter Thursday:

While Bush did break NCAA rules at the time, he has noted that he was desperate for money and the current NIL rules would have made a major difference.

"An extra $25,000 would’ve significantly changed my life in college," Bush told Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. "I don’t mean just changed it a little bit. It would’ve made things a lot less stressful because it’s stressful when you’re trying to figure out, how am I gonna eat?"

Some have called for the NCAA to reverse old punishments based on the new laws, including ESPN's Jay Bilas:

Bush was worthy of his individual honors based on his play on the field, finishing 2005 with 2,218 yards from scrimmage, 672 more yards in the return game and 19 total touchdowns. He was an electrifying part of the Trojans as the team went 12-0 before an upset loss to Texas in the Rose Bowl.

"It is my strong belief that I won the Heisman trophy 'solely' due to my hard work and dedication on the football field and it is also my firm belief that my records should be reinstated," Bush told TMZ.

USC has landed 5-star defensive lineman Mykel Williams.

Williams, the No. 39 player in 247Sports' class of 2022 rankings, praised the coaching staff, his future teammates and the fanbase in explaining his decision to commit to the Trojans.

"I just feel like it was the right moment," Williams added, per Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. "I've already visited I don't know how many other schools. I saw all I needed to see, and I feel this is my moment, and I know for sure this is where I want to be at and where I want to go." 

The Georgia native joined a class that is also headlined by 5-star cornerback Domani Jackson, who is ranked No. 14.

Williams, who took his official visit over the weekend, had 30 offers from programs that included Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio State, Florida and Clemson. The 6'5", 265-pounder posted 17 sacks and 19 tackles for loss during his junior season.

He was the seventh player to commit to the Trojans in the class of 2022, rounding out a group that is ranked No. 22 nationally and second in the Pac-12.

Also incoming are 4-star recruits Fabian Ross, Keyan Burnett and Devin Brown.

The class of 2021—which includes Williams' brother, Michael Trigg—was ranked seventh nationally.

Williams was slated to commit March 15 but decided March 9 to push it back.

Ten former members of the USC Song Girls detailed a toxic culture within the program in an exclusive report by Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times.

Per Kartje, the women discussed "a toxic culture within the famed collegiate dance team that included longtime former coach Lori Nelson rebuking women publicly for their eating habits, personal appearance and sex lives."

Kartje added the ex-dance squad members who spoke with the paper "faced serious body image issues within the program that went beyond normal fitness required to be on a spirit squad."

Three members said their time with the USC Song Girls led to "some form of eating disorder," and another woman experienced severe depression and considered taking her own life. Eight women who spoke with Kartje said they attended counseling sessions.

The USC Song Girls also reportedly had to sign a contract that stated they needed to "stay within five pounds of their audition weight," per Kartje. In addition, Nelson reportedly scrutinized the team's physical appearance.

Per Stuart Carson of the Daily Trojan, Nelson led the team for over three decades before resigning last November amid a Title IX investigation that was launched against her.

That investigation, which began in August after three members of the Song Girls initially brought complaints to athletic director Mike Bohn in February, was enacted to look into “potential violations of the university’s non-discrimination, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policy by Ms. Nelson," per Kartje.

Nelson was placed on administrative leave October 29 before later resigning.

Nelson, who declined a request for an interview with the Los Angeles Times, released a statement through attorney Ryan Saba: "Ms. Nelson vehemently and unequivocally denies the harmful and misleading allegations made against her."

One of the 10 women who talked to Kartje, USC senior communication major Josie Bullen, spoke with Carson on the record: “This isn’t just about our stories, it’s about creating change at USC. This is a culture that exists nationwide and I think that’s another reason why we came forward in the [Los Angeles Times] is because we’re hoping it’ll reach an audience beyond USC.”

She also added: “It’s also relieving that this systemic, misogynistic institution is finally being exposed because it’s been in place for decades, and so many women have suffered because of it."

The USC Song Girls have performed and appeared at Trojan athletic events and other school-related functions since 1967.

A man managed to field punts with the USC football team after sneaking into practice earlier this week. 

In a report from Scott Wolf of Inside USC that was confirmed by Fox Sports analyst Petro Papadakis, the man did more than just get onto the field, including sharing a jacuzzi with some players inside the practice facility and eating at the team's dining facility. 

Wolf noted the man, who reportedly is known to USC security, was able to "blend in with the football players because he looks their age and could say he is a walk-on."

Per Wolf, the man obtained a helmet, jersey and cleats from inside the locker room and wasn't stopped by security because he was in uniform. Security was called after a football staffer didn't recognize the man.

A source with USC's security team told Wolf that the man "might still be out there" if he didn't try to field punts because people with the team "might not have noticed him."

Wolf noted that USC's McKay Center practice facility normally requires fingerprint access to unlock the doors and the dining facility is usually staffed by athletic department employees, but the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed some security protocols. 

Wolf reported that USC security had previously encountered the man after he was found inside McAlister Field, where the Trojans play soccer. There's no word at this point where the man went after USC found out about his presence inside the McKay Center.

Outside linebacker Raesjon Davis announced his commitment to USC on Wednesday.

"Being able to play early, being able to play in and work, I see where the program is going and it's going in a great direction," Davis said on CBS Sports HQ (via CBSSports.com's Ben Kercheval). "I'm coming in to play hard and fast, and play physical. I'm here to win championships."

Davis is the No. 4 outside linebacker and No. 48 player in the 2021 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

247Sports' Greg Biggins evaluated the Santa Ana, California, native last April and compared him to veteran NFL linebacker Darron Lee:

"One of the most versatile linebackers in the country. Covers like a safety but hits like a linebacker. Lacks ideal length for an outside 'backer but does have long arms on his 6-1 frame and might not be done growing. Very good as an outside pass rusher showing the burst to get around the edge and the power to run through most high school tackles. Can break down in space and is an excellent open field tackler and shows the speed to run down plays from behind. Has a non-stop motor and plays with an aggressive edge to him."

The 2020 recruiting cycle was a disaster for USC. The Trojans finished 64th in 247Sports' composite team rankings.

Given the team's 13 combined wins in 2018 and 2019, head coach Clay Helton's position seemed untenable. Poor results on the field and an inability to sign elite recruits are often a recipe for a firing.

Instead, Helton stayed.

The 2020 season was a mixed bag because USC went 5-1 but wasn't thought worthy of the College Football Playoff at any point. Helton and his staff have done well on the recruiting trail, however.

With the addition of Davis, the Trojans are up to seventh in 247Sports' composite rankings. Their class includes defensive end Korey Foreman, the No. 1 player overall. They've also signed or received commitments from nine of the top 20 players in California, up from one in 2020.

USC probably won't see the fruits of this work for a year or two, but the program is laying the groundwork for a leap forward.

Highly touted cornerback Domani Jackson committed to USC on Saturday. 

Jackson announced his decision in a video posted on Twitter:

Jackson is the best cornerback and third-best player overall in the 2022 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Not surprisingly, the Santa Ana, California, native had scholarship offers from nearly all of the notable college football powers. Midway through his freshman season, he already had 20 offers in the bag.

He worked quickly to narrow his options to 10 schools in July.

That June, Jackson was among the players taking part in the Top 100 SoCal Showcase. 247Sports' Greg Biggins provided a rave review while listing him among the five best defensive players on the field:

"Jackson is an athletic freak and he could attend an NFL Combine right now and his testing numbers would be on par with some of the top testing corners at the event. He's 6-1, 190 pounds with 4% body fat and is one of the fastest players in the country. He didn't win every one on one rep and still needs to improve as a pure cover corner but his upside is off the charts."

Jackson was clocked at 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash at a regional event for The Opening in February 2019, per 247Sports, though that number doesn't necessarily demonstrate the extent of his physical gifts.

Beyond pure straight-line speed, the Mater Dei star has impressive agility and the ability to quickly change directions to shadow receivers in man coverage.

Jackson will be giving up some inches to taller receivers, but he won't get pushed around too much. He should have plenty of success jamming wideouts at the line of scrimmage and fighting for position when the ball is airborne.

Blue-chip cornerbacks have always remained a prized commodity, and they've never been more valuable as college coaches embrace spread offenses and run-pass options. Even Nick Saban got more creative after ditching the power running game that served Alabama so well.

Once he gets a year or two under his belt, Jackson has the potential to be one of the FBS' biggest difference-makers on defense.

Trojans head coach Clay Helton and his staff continue to excel in recruiting. Jackson is the program's fourth commitment in the 2022 class. They have the eighth-ranked class this year, per 247Sports composite rankings. 

Last season was a breakthrough for the Trojans under Helton. They won the Pac-12 South Division with five consecutive wins in the regular season, but their quest for a conference title came to an end with a 31-24 loss to Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game. 

If the Trojans can build on that success going forward, they will be able to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff soon. Adding premier talent like Jackson to the roster will make their quest a little less daunting. 

USC landed one of the most coveted recruits in the 2021 class after receiving a commitment from defensive end Korey Foreman.

Foreman is the No. 1 overall player in the country, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

He originally committed to Clemson before walking back the decision, telling David Hood of TigerNet.com he wanted to take official visits to better weigh all of his options.

ESPN's Tom VanHaaren noted Foreman was the first recruit since 2017 to decommit from Clemson, whose prowess on the recruiting trail has matched its success on the field.

At 6'4" and 265 pounds, the Corona, California, native is physically head and shoulders above much of the competition. In case you needed an example, watch this:

The Opening perennially showcases the best prep stars from across the United States. Foreman impressed those in attendance and took home defensive line MVP honors in July 2019. He routinely looked to be on a different level to his peers. 

Foreman explained how his approach to the game belies how aggressive he can be on the field.

"Everyone had the mindset to come out and dominate here, but I was really nervous," he said at The Opening, per USA Today's Jason Jordan. "I play better like that. It's like running scared; you tend to run faster when you're scared. When I have those nerves, I play better."

Foreman is the total package at defensive end.

Although he's likely to face some early difficulties with the step up in competition, his game goes beyond just his physical tools. He can not only overpower opposing blockers but also use an array of moves to beat them on the edge.

Foreman is more than just an explosive pass-rusher, too. He can get in the backfield and blow up running plays or prevent running backs from reaching the second level.

Rivals' Mike Farrell compared Foreman to former Ohio State star Chase Young, who left the Buckeyes after registering 30.5 sacks and 40.5 tackles for loss in three years. Young also finished fourth in the 2019 Heisman Trophy voting, an impressive feat with how much the award has tilted toward skill position players.

Like Young, Foreman has the potential to be so good he almost single-handedly dictates an opponent's offensive game plan.

With the benefit of experience in a few years, Foreman can be one of the most disruptive players in college football.

The last recruiting cycle couldn't have gone much worse for USC. The Trojans finished 64th in 247Sports' 2020 team composite rankings.

Things have improved in 2021, particularly in USC's ability to reel in some of the state's best talent. The team is ranked 12th in the country in 247Sports' composite rankings and has commitments from eight of California's top 20 players.

By adding Foreman to the mix, head coach Clay Helton is repaying the faith the school showed by bringing him back following such a disastrous 2019 season.

Cornerback Ceyair Wright, who also has a budding acting career, will continue to play football in college after committing to USC. 

Wright announced his decision to play for the Trojans on Saturday during NBC's All-American Bowl Declaration Show. 

Wright grabbed national headlines in 2019 when he was cast as LeBron James' son in Space Jam 2. 

"It's been amazing. It's still crazy thinking about it," Wright told Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times in August 2019. "It's a dream come true."

Wright has previously done work on television shows, including Training Day, Instant Mom, Life in Pieces and 2 Broke Girls.

On the football field, Wright is considered one of the best athletes in the 2021 recruiting class. He's rated as a 4-star prospect, the sixth-best cornerback and No. 77 overall prospect, per 247Sports' composite rankings. 

Greg Biggins of 247Sports offered this scouting report in February for Wright:

"Long, athletic frame with very good top-end speed. Track background. Clocked a 10.84 100 and ran on state-winning 4x400 relay team as a junior and that speed translates well to the football field. Long arms, good ball awareness and build for press coverage. Shows playmaking skill at receiver and in the return game but upside looks highest as a cover corner."

Jerry Phillips, one of Wright's high school football coaches at Loyola High School, told Andrew Mentock in a Bleacher Report interview that the young man's career as an actor in some ways helps him adapt on the field. 

"He's used to processing so many different roles and being different people," Phillips said. "He has to go from one acting gig to the next. For him in football, you can almost see that's what he's doing. It's seamless for him."

Given the potential off-field aspirations that Wright has ahead of him, landing at USC is a natural fit. The Los Angeles native will be able to stay around the movie and television scene while also playing football for the Trojans. 

USC head coach Clay Helton and his staff will be happy to have Wright lining up in the secondary. The Trojans haven't finished higher than 38th nationally in points allowed per game since 2013. 

Wright is an incredible athlete who is refining his football skills. If USC cornerbacks coach Donte Williams can help develop his in-game talent, the prospect could star for the reigning Pac-12 South Division champions.