One of the biggest storylines of the offseason was the transfer of Jordan Addison. Last season Addison won the Biletnikoff Award which is given to the best receiver in college football. The former Pitt Panther star decided to enter the transfer portal following spring practices. Reports began to surface he was transferring in search of a larger NIL deal. Speculation by media outlets reported Lincoln Riley and USC enticed Addison to enter the portal and come play for USC for the 2022 season. Message board rumors have circulated saying those promises have not been fulfilled. Today I wanted to dive in and discuss the Jordan Addison transfer as part of today’s 99 Things.
Addison started with a strong freshman campaign in 2020. He had 60 receptions for 666 yards and four touchdowns. In his sophomore season he exploded onto the scene. Addison finished with 100 receptions for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns. His performance helped Kenny Pickett become a Heisman finalist. Addison quickly became the favorite target for Pickett last season starting the season with nine touchdowns in the first five games. He was consistent for the entire season finishing with at least five catches in each one of Pitt’s 14 games last season. Addison also crossed 100 yards on eight different occasions finishing with a season high 202 yards against Virginia.
USC and Lincoln Riley are likely to make Addison a focal part of their offense this year. USC is looking to revamp their team and bringing in a player of Addison’s caliber will help to jump start to program. The Trojans also added former Oklahoma and five star quarterback Caleb Williams. The duo of Addison and Williams has the potential to be one of the best quarterback and wide receiver combinations in the entire country.
NFL scouts are already excited for Addison to join the professional ranks. He already being viewed as a potential first round pick for the 2023 NFL draft. Addison showed versality last season helping Pitt as a punt returner and becoming a factor in the rushing attack. He knows how to high point the ball and make acrobatic catches. Addison is also likely to run a 4.4 in the 40 yard dash next season. His speed and catch radius help make him one of the most dynamic receivers in the country. His size will be one of the biggest reasons NFL teams drop him down draft boards. Addison weighted only 175 pounds last season. Scouts will need to see Addison get off blocks and how he fares against press coverage.
The returning Biletnikoff Award winner will be held to high expectations this season. Playing with Williams gives him a fantastic opportunity to defend and repeat his throne. Games against Rice and Stanford to open the season will give Williams and Addison plenty of chances to build chemistry before getting to the toughest part of the season. The Trojans have not won 10 games since the 2017 season. If USC is going to top 10 wins in 2022 they will need Addison to play at an All-American level once again.
