Advertisement

Former Pitt WR Jordan Addison commits to USC

Jordan Addison, one of the nation’s top receivers, is headed to USC.

Addison, who won the Biletnikoff Award as college football’s top wide receiver at Pittsburgh last season, announced his long-rumored move to the Trojans on Thursday.

Addison caught 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2021, helping Pitt win the ACC title. Addison flourished alongside quarterback Kenny Pickett, a Heisman finalist who ended up as a first-round NFL draft choice.

At USC, Addison will get to play with another star quarterback, Caleb Williams. Williams, of course, followed head coach Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma to USC earlier this offseason. Now they have the chance to form one of the top quarterback-receiver duos in the country.

“I have 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,” Addison said.

Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) plays against Miami during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) plays against Miami during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Addison’s transfer was source of controversy

As the May 1 deadline for immediate eligibility for transfers approached, rumors of Addison’s potential departure from Pitt were swirling. On top of that, USC was the rumored destination for Addison before he even officially entered the transfer portal.

With that brought rumored NIL offers and accusations of tampering toward USC, reportedly including multiple angry phone calls from Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi to Riley.

Nonetheless, Addison’s name officially appeared in the portal on May 3 (schools have two business days to accommodate a player’s transfer request). Addison also visited Texas, but he ended up choosing USC as many anticipated.

In a statement released Thursday, Addison said the past few weeks have been “very difficult” for him. He said he struggled with his decision whether or not to put his name in the transfer portal.

“Student athletes have not always had that opportunity, and I made that choice. 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 and especially my teammates. I love them. Winning an ACC championship is ours forever,” Addison wrote.

USC replenishing roster via transfer portal

USC went 4-8 last year but has rebuilt its roster significantly since Riley arrived in Los Angeles. Much of that transformation has come via the transfer portal.

In addition to the prized additions of Williams and Addison, other notable transfer additions for the Trojans this offseason include receiver Mario Williams (Oklahoma), receiver Brenden Rice (Colorado), linebacker Eric Gentry (Arizona State) and running back Travis Dye (Oregon).

While there are still questions about the Trojans' offensive line and defense, Riley has been able to attract plenty of talent since his arrival. He has been recruiting at a high level, too.

USC opens the 2022 season at home against Rice on Sept. 3.