USC Called Hypocrites After Latest $2.6 Million Recruiting Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Luke Wafle’s commitment to the USC Trojans further proved that Lincoln Riley and his staff are willing to do what it takes to get back in the conversation of college football’s elites.

On3’s Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong reported Wafle will receive an NIL package between $2.2 and $2.6 million over two years.

“I see people in the chat saying, ‘They’re paying above market,'” Andy Staples recently said on “Andy & Ari On3.” “If it’s an edge rusher everyone wants, that’s not really above market. That’s kind of right on it.”

NIL is undoubtedly a factor in the recruitment and retention of almost every high-caliber player in today’s game. Ari Wasserman pointed out how any celebration of adding Wafle is hypocritical, given that USC’s supporters criticize the Oregon Ducks for wooing prospects in the same manner.

“You know what, USC? The thing that I think is really funny is you are kinda getting the taste of your own medicine here,” Wasserman said. “Because USC fans are the first to criticize Oregon for paying players when they get good ones. And how much more fun is it to be the ones being criticized? 

“Like, actually, when you think about it, it’s so much better being the ones on the hot seat (saying), ‘Oh, we paid too much? Sorry!'”

According to 247Sports, USC has the top-ranked Class of 2026 recruiting class. The Trojans have one five-star and 19 four-stars in that group and are listed right ahead of Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas A&M.

Related: How Lincoln Riley Can go From Hot Seat to Dominant Again

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.

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