Matt Barkley Returns to USC, an Early Christmas Gift for Trojan Fans

Flanked by a Christmas tree and six Heisman trophies, junior QB Matt Barkley uttered the words USC fans had hoped to hear for the past season:

"Our USC football team has been through some tough times and we have persevered. But the 2012 team has some serious unfinished business to attend to, and I intend to play a part in it."

And with that, USC can continue their aspirations for a national championship in 2012. They will have all of their wide receivers returning, all of their back seven on defense back and, now, their quarterback.

There were four juniors on USC who faced a big decision following a successful 10-2 season. Left tackle Matt Kalil and defensive end Nick Perry decided to go pro. Safety T.J. McDonald and Matt Barkley decided to pursue a national championship.

"At the conclusion of my decision process, I was affirmed that two wonderful options stand before me," said Barkley. "It is my dream to play quarterback in the NFL, and I intend to make that dream a reality."

No one would have blamed Barkley had he decided to leave for the NFL. Barkley had one of the best individual seasons in USC history, having broken single-game records in passing yards (468 vs Arizona), completions (35 vs UCLA), passing TDs (6 vs UCLA/Colorado) and total offense (470 vs Arizona). His 39 passing touchdowns is a single-season Pac-12 record.

Even more importantly, Barkley guided the team through the "dark years." USC went 9-4 in Barkley's freshman year, the final under Pete Carroll. Following that, USC was put on probation and sentenced to a two-year bowl ban. The Trojans finished 10-2 this season, but were ineligible to play in the Pac-12 title game.

Barkley could have transferred had he wanted, and he certainly could have dogged it. After all, he was certain to be a top draft pick in the NFL when he was coming out of Mater Dei High. Instead, he helped keep the program afloat and restored it to prominence by finishing the season ranked in the top five in the AP. Now, he's back to finish the job.

"I know that I came to the Univeristy of Southern California to compete and have a rare journey as a USC football player," said Barkley. "I will earn my degree and I know in my heart that I have not yet finished my journey as a USC football player."

It seemed as if the only news coming from Southern California the past two years was bad news. First, it was the departure of Carroll. Then, the bowl ban and probation. Then came the vacating of the 2004 BCS championship and Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy. Barkley's departure would have been another disappointing jab to a program that needed good news.

The setting was fitting. Heritage Hall, which houses all of the university's athletic trophies, was decked out and provided the atmosphere of an  "L.A. Christmas" not seen since the days of the Nakatomi Tower. The tree and Heismans were symbolic of today's announcement and of things to come. Barkley already put a Christmas present under USC's fans' tree with his announcement today.

Now, they hope he adds another Heisman and crystal ball next year.

Ryne Hodkowski is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.