USC's Lincoln Riley Talks Transfer Portal Changes, Says System Needs 'Guardrails'

Perhaps no coach in college football has benefited more from the transfer portal than Lincoln Riley this offseason, but the new face of the USC program is in favor of changing the current system.

"I think at some point we'll have to put in some guardrails," Riley said during an appearance on ESPN. "… I think it's difficult for players, difficult for coaches, difficult to build rosters."

It should be noted that Riley was under contract with Oklahoma when he decided to leave for USC, so there is a degree of irony for him to be one of the coaches suggesting "guardrails" need to be put in place in the system that now gives players more freedom of movement than in the past.

These comments also come shortly after quarterback Caleb Williams announced he will follow his coach and transfer from Oklahoma to USC.

While Williams was the highest-profile addition for the Trojans that came via the transfer portal, he was far from the only one.

Pete Thamel of ESPN noted Riley has landed 13 transfers from the portal since he accepted the job in November. The new coach has completely transformed a roster that went just 4-8 last season and could have USC competing for a Pac-12 title and perhaps even a College Football Playoff berth as soon as the upcoming campaign.

Williams figures to be on the shortlist of Heisman Trophy contenders alongside Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and could elevate his new team to the top of the Pac-12.

The transfer portal has been kind to USC this offseason, but it has also generated plenty of discussion. Players are currently permitted to transfer one time and retain immediate eligibility under the system in place.

The rule coming when players can now profit off their name, image and likeness has surely impacted recruiting and roster construction, and Riley is not the only coach to raise potential concerns as they attempt to navigate the sport's new reality.

For now, though, USC has taken full advantage of the system.