This marks the first time USC GM Chad Bowden has worked for a college football program without Marcus Freeman on staff. Their association dates to 2017.

USC added to a slew of staff changes by hiring away Wisconsin GM Max Stienecker, who worked for years with Bowden in building a CFP program at Cincinnati.

Safety Kamari Ramsey might be USC’s best player. Getting him back for 2025 is a major lift for this defense, especially since he’s the only returning starter in the secondary. The Trojans have to replace two starting corners, the nickel back and the safety opposite Ramsey.

Ryan Kartje is the USC beat writer at the Los Angeles Times. He joined The Times after six years with the Southern California News Group. A Michigan native and University of Michigan graduate, Kartje previously wrote for Fox Sports Wisconsin and the Bloomington (Ind.) Herald-Times.