A boom in in-state recruiting and an open workout? Sounds like something from the Pete Carroll era, but it is indeed a move done by Lincoln Riley. Riley has st
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley celebrates after kicker Ryon Sayeri hit a 54-yard field goal in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
| IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect A boom in in-state recruiting and an open workout? Sounds like something from the Pete Carroll era, but it is indeed a move done by Lincoln Riley. Riley has steadily rebuilt USC’s connection to the SoCal region. In 2025, Riley replaced the spring game with Fan Appreciation Day to celebrate the end of the Trojans’ spring camp.
The annual festival included player meet-and-greets, a raffle, giveaways and other activities for fans, 57-percent of the 2026 class and 64-percent of the 2027 class come from California. Now Riley and the Trojans will be hosting their first ever beach day. Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava heads on to the field for the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect On July 22, the Trojans will be hosting a beach day at Hermosa Beach. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. PT, fans will be able to watch the Trojans workout. Afterwards there will be opportunities to take pictures and get autographs from the players. There will be giveaway items and a dodge ball game as well.
Under the Riley regime, the beach day marks his first public event. While Carroll technically didn’t host events like this, the open practices strengthened the connection between fans and the program. It also opened the doorway to the L.A. connection and celebrity culture. , community events such as this can also re-strengthen the bond with the Trojan faithful.
The beach day also provides momentum for the team as they head into fall camp. In 2024, the Los Angeles Rams hosted their Draft Experience there. From April 25 to April 26, fans gathered together to watch the draft. Former players were also in attendance and there were special performances by the Rams Cheerleaders and the Mariachi Rams.
They also built a 60-yard football field on the beach where they ran skills-and-drills for young fans. After seeing the success of a beach activation, it seems that Riley and the Trojans have borrowed this model to boost fan engagement and build upon the excitement for the 2026 season – No. 1 overall recruiting class in 2026, second season in the Big Ten, Riley’s fifth year and high expectations.
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley celebrates along with defensive end coach Shaun Nua after kicker Ryon Sayeri hit a 54-yard field goal in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAlthough this marks the first public event at the beach, it also marks 10 years since the Trojans had held a practice by the shore.
, Clay Helton changed up the normal summer training schedule with a sunrise workout at Pacific Beach . The workout included hills sprints, calisthenics and other conditioning drills to prepare the Trojans for their season opener versus Alabama. Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans head coach Clay Helton leads his players onto the field for the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Under Steve Sarkisian, the Trojans made Hermosa Beach their home for team bonding . Once spring practices concluded, the team used the day to relax, catch waves or play games. Luke A. Perez is a writer for USC Trojans On SI. Luke started his sports career as a recreational flag and tackle football coach.
He continues his passion for coaching as a Youth Engagement Coach for the Los Angeles Rams where he serves the L.A. community. At Azusa Pacific University, where Luke received his BA in Journalism, he worked as the News Section Editor for the student-run media outlet. Shortly after graduating, Luke joined 247Sports as a Trending Sports Writer. Luke became a high school sports contributor for Southern California News Group to cover football in the San Gabriel Valley.
When Luke isn't watching football or combat sports, he's at the movies, checking out new cafes, catching up on books, or enjoying a run at the beach.
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