In the world of college football, quarterback changes are often surrounded by drama and headlines, especially when a program has high expectations like the USC Trojans. However, when head coach Lincoln Riley announced a shift in the quarterback position, moving away from Miller Moss to a new face under center, it didn’t come as a shock to those closely following the program. Senior linebacker Woody Marks, one of the vocal leaders on defense, weighed in on the change, stating, “It wasn’t a surprise.”
The decision to move on from Miller Moss, who had been with the program for several years and showed flashes of potential, was one that raised eyebrows, but it wasn’t necessarily an unexpected one. USC had a high-profile quarterback competition heading into the season, and with the arrival of freshman phenom Malachi Nelson, the battle for the starting role was always likely to be fluid. Marks, who has seen the quarterback room evolve firsthand during his time at USC, understands that change is part of the game.
“It’s a part of the game, especially with the talent we have in that room,” Marks said. “Guys come in, they battle, and sometimes it just doesn’t click the way you expect it to. But we all know this team has a lot of talent, and whoever is under center, we support them.”
Miller Moss, who had been a promising prospect coming out of high school, seemed to be in a prime position to take over the reins after the departure of former USC starter Caleb Williams. However, despite his experience, Moss struggled to find consistency in the role, with some key mistakes in critical moments. While he had his moments of brilliance, the inconsistency left Riley and his coaching staff with no choice but to turn to other options.
Moss’s struggles were compounded by the immediate competition in the quarterback room, with Nelson, a five-star recruit, coming in with immense expectations. Nelson, who was regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, showed flashes of his potential during practice and in the few opportunities he had. His development under Riley’s tutelage quickly caught the attention of the coaching staff, who ultimately decided to give him the starting nod, making the switch away from Moss.
For Marks and the Trojans’ defense, the quarterback change was simply another part of the season’s evolution. With the shift in personnel, Marks and his teammates on defense have remained focused on their role in the success of the team, understanding that the key to winning games lies in a collective effort. “At the end of the day, it’s about what we do as a team,” Marks said. “The defense needs to show up, regardless of who’s at quarterback. It’s on us to keep the momentum going.”
The USC defense has been solid this year, but they have faced challenges, including facing some high-powered offenses in the Pac-12. As they adjust to the new starting quarterback, Marks knows that the offense will need to perform at a high level for the Trojans to remain competitive in a tough conference.
While quarterback changes can often lead to uncertainty, Marks’ reaction indicates a calm and understanding approach. “It’s about getting behind whoever is out there and making sure we do our part,” he explained. “There’s always going to be pressure, but that’s why we’re a team. It’s not about one person, it’s about all of us coming together and making it work.”
Head coach Lincoln Riley, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, has always insisted that the quarterback position is based on performance. “You have to earn the job,” Riley said in his press conferences earlier in the season. “It’s not about who’s been here the longest or who’s the most experienced, it’s about who gives us the best chance to win.”
This mindset is something that both Marks and the rest of the team have embraced. The Trojans understand that there are no guarantees, and that every position on the field, especially quarterback, must be earned through hard work, consistency, and results. For Marks, the focus remains on the team’s overall success and making sure that any quarterback under center has the support they need to thrive.
As the Trojans move forward in their quest for a successful season, the quarterback change will undoubtedly be a focal point of the media narrative. But for Marks and the defense, the focus remains on playing complementary football and ensuring that the team remains unified despite the shifting dynamics at the quarterback position.
“There’s always going to be talk about quarterbacks,” Marks added with a shrug. “But we just have to stay focused on what we can control. We’ll support whoever is out there. Our job is to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help the team win, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
In the end, USC’s success will depend on a full-team effort. While the quarterback position may be a major storyline, the Trojans know that football is a team sport, and their chances of success are determined by every player, whether on offense, defense, or special teams.