USC added another shiny piece to their jigsaw puzzle by receiving a commitment from former Pitt wide receiver Jordan Addison, who had been tipped to make a turn west when he entered the transfer portal just over two weeks ago.
Addison, a 2021 All-American and reigning Biletnikoff Award winner, chose the Trojans - 28/1 to win the NCAAF Championship - over strong pitches from Texas and 11/5 Alabama.
The Panthers also wanted him to stay, but there has been much upheaval since Addison last pulled on a Pittsburgh helmet, with quarterback Kenny Pickett now a Steeler and both offensive coordinator Mark Whipple - who left for Nebraska - and wide receivers coach Brennan Marion - now with Texas - furthering their careers elsewhere.
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Addison's decision to follow in the footsteps of around a dozen other notable off-season transfers seems less about the money-making opportunities and more about the lure of what Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is building in Los Angeles.
Riley adds plenty to offense
Riley brought quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Mario Williams with him from Oklahoma and has since added running back Travis Dye (Oregon), receiver Brenden Rice (Colorado) and offensive tackle Bobby Haskins (Virginia) on the offensive side of the ball.
Addison caught 100 balls for 1,593 yards last season and had 17 touchdown receptions while his 143 total targets were good for fifth-most of all FBS players.
He can now look forward to playing for one of the greatest offensive minds in college football and potentially forming one of the most-feared trios in the nation with the two Williams' this coming season.
