The University of Southern California (USC) recently underwent significant changes with a pivotal week that many may have overlooked amid summer festivities.
On July 1, a turning point was reached as Carol Folt stepped down from her role as university president.
This date not only marked Folt’s departure but also heralded a new era in college athletics with USC, along with other institutions, now legally allowed to make direct payments to their athletes.
These two shifts are poised to have a substantial impact on USC’s athletic department going forward.
Folt’s exit represents a culmination of a notable tenure at USC, where her leadership left a significant mark on the athletics landscape.
As articulated last November, her six-year presidency focused heavily on athletics, with investments becoming one of her major goals, often described as “moonshot” initiatives.
Folt championed critical changes, including the hiring of Lincoln Riley, a move that cost the university upwards of $20 million in the first year and has continued to incur significant expenses since.
She also facilitated USC’s transition to the Big Ten, a strategic move intended to enhance the university’s financial prospects.
Furthermore, Folt symbolized her commitment to athletics by participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bloom Football Performance Center, part of a grand $225 million fundraising campaign that will undoubtedly shape her legacy.
Following her announcement of departure, the question on many minds is whether the next president will maintain the same investment-oriented approach toward athletics.
The new leader will inherit a university grappling with a staggering $158 million budget deficit for the 2023-24 academic year.
This financial challenge is further complicated by possible cutbacks to federal research funding under the current administration, potentially intensifying USC’s financial woes.
Beyond the immediate financial crises, this new president must also contend with a restless faculty and a politically charged environment.
With these priorities at the forefront, athletics will likely not be the primary focus for the incoming president.
However, their perspective on college sports will undoubtedly hold lasting implications for the direction of USC’s athletic department.
Looking at the history of USC’s leadership, Folt’s predecessor, Max Nikias, assumed the presidency in 2010 and immediately initiated a $6 billion fundraising initiative—the largest in higher education history at that time.
Within six years, the university raised an astounding amount that had not been seen in the previous six decades combined, with athletics contributing around $760 million to that total.
This historical context underlines the significant impact of university leadership approaches on athletic programs.
The incoming president will step into a challenging context as college athletics face unprecedented expenses and complexities.
As USC is poised to utilize the full revenue-sharing cap of $20.5 million—factoring in up to $2.5 million for scholarships—expenditures are expected to rise with additional scholarships beyond this cap.
USC has already been notably aggressive in its financial commitments to athletics.
Recent Department of Education data indicated that USC reported over $242 million in total athletics expenses between July 2023 and July 2024, surpassing all other Big Ten or Southeastern Conference schools significantly.
Interestingly, this expenditure aligns closely with USC’s reported revenue of $242 million, revealing a parallel in investment and return.
The numbers for this fiscal year are nearly guaranteed to exceed the previous totals, particularly with the anticipated additional funds allocated from the forthcoming years.
However, an underlying question remains about how forthcoming the new president will be regarding exploring the limits of acceptable practices within college athletics.
Folt, initially hesitant to engage in more controversial financial maneuvers, was brought on board to restore USC’s reputation in the aftermath of various scandals.
Her administration’s eventual pivot towards embracing NIL opportunities was spurred by a federal ruling that allowed for expanded engagement in this area.
This evolving landscape of college athletics demands innovative strategies moving forward, raising critical questions about the new president’s willingness to venture outside conventional boundaries.
Could there be discussions surrounding collective bargaining for college football players?
Might we see the emergence of a super league situation involving the Big Ten and SEC?
While strong leadership currently exists within USC’s athletic department, interim president Beong-Soo Kim has garnered positive reactions thus far.
Still, the search for a permanent president will be of paramount importance, particularly as this individual will influence USC’s trajectory in an age of changed dynamics within college sports.
As of now, several noteworthy achievements and updates emerge from the Trojan community, providing glimpses into the program’s resilience and forward momentum.
USC has already secured approval for various NIL deals through the newly established clearinghouse that requires oversight of third-party agreements above $600.
Interestingly, USC’s first cleared deal did not originate from a football player, as one might typically expect, but from the university’s water polo and track programs.
Additionally, the Trojans’ recruiting efforts are enjoying notable success, as seen with the addition of Ethan “Boobie” Feaster.
Feaster’s commitment strengthens USC’s current recruiting class, which holds the distinction of being ranked No. 1 and showcases a robust lineup of talent, including three four-star wide receivers and other highly-rated prospects across multiple positions.
Meanwhile, changes in staff are also unfolding, with USC women’s basketball appointing Selena Castillo as the new general manager.
Having previously worked with Duke’s women’s program, Castillo steps into her role at a crucial time, particularly with rising stars like JuJu Watkins and Jazzy Davidson providing exciting prospects for the team’s future.
In contrast, the baseball team faces a different narrative, with coach Andy Stankiewicz recently unveiling challenges.
A recent mass exodus has seen outfielder Brayden Dowd join 16 other teammates entering the transfer portal following a season that included notable performances.
While Dowd posts solid numbers, the Trojans face potential challenges filling vacated spots on the mound after losing key pitchers to the draft and the portal.
The upcoming transfer window from July 7 to August 5 brings additional regulations, limiting eligibility to those athletes designated by their schools as “Designated Student-Athletes” (DSAs).
This window might not ignite the usual frenzy, as it mainly impacts athletes who may have faced roster constraints due to upcoming roster limits.
On the gambling side, a debate emerges whether college athletes and staff should be allowed to engage in betting on sports other than college competitions.
While it remains against the rules to wager on college sports, the NCAA Division 1 Council is assessing potential options for other sports, indicating awareness of the growing issue of sports betting on campuses.
As the prospects of USC’s upcoming strategies hang in the air, it is evident that upcoming months will shape the future direction of the university’s athletic endeavors.
In a personal reflection, the nostalgic summer ritual of watching the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest was shared, with fond memories of enjoying the event every July 4.
This year was especially gratifying as it was enjoyed alongside family, embodying a sense of community and togetherness.
One can’t help but wonder about the total number of hot dogs consumed over a lifetime, as a playful consideration of life’s simple joys evokes thoughts of connecting traditions with family.
In essence, USC stands on the brink of pivotal changes, and all eyes will be on the institution as it navigates these financial and athletic challenges while aiming to maintain its prestigious legacy.
image source from：latimes
