USC football’s new-look offense under Lincoln Riley just got even more prolific, landing former Pittsburgh star wide receiver and Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison out of the transfer portal Thursday.
Addison and quarterback Caleb Williams were two of the the top players to enter the transfer portal this offseason – and the Trojans got them both, as Riley has made no qualms about bringing in players via the portal to stack the roster in his first season as USC’s coach. Williams, who followed Riley to USC from Oklahoma, and Addison should form a prolific quarterback-wide receiver duo.
Addison, a rising junior, caught 100 passes last season for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns, winning the award for the nation’s top receiver and being named a first-team All-American.
He is already familiar with Williams, as they both are from the Washington, D.C. area.
In a statement, Addison said the last few weeks in the transfer portal have been difficult. He struggled with his decision to enter the portal.
“Student athletes have not always had that opportunity, and I made that choice,” Addison said. “I have now carefully considered the advice of my family and close friends and fully weighed both the risks and benefits associated with my decision. I also respect that others may make a different choice. But for me, I will continue my full development as a student athlete by enrolling at USC.”
— Jordan Addison (@Espn_Jordan) May 19, 2022
Addison’s decision did not come without controversy, with ESPN reporting earlier this month that Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi called Riley to express his displeasure.
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Addison’s transfer comes at a time when college football is working through changes related to one-time transfer rules and name, image and likeness deals.
“I am and will always be grateful to the University of Pittsburgh, to Coach Narduzzi, all my coaches (past and present), the faculty, the fans, supporters but especially to all my teammates,” Addison said. “I love them. Winning an ACC championship is ours forever. Those true friendships will last. A part of me will always be H2P.”