The USC Trojans football program is buzzing with excitement, and a lot of that energy traces back to Chad Savage. As the inside receivers and tight end coach—now also the pass game coordinator—he’s become a pivotal figure in shaping the team’s direction.
Let’s dig into the highlights from Savage’s recent press conference. We’ll touch on his coaching style, Makai Lemon’s impact, and what might be in store for USC’s next wave of receivers.
Chad Savage’s Coaching Philosophy: Details and Consistency
Savage’s coaching philosophy? It’s all about the details. He believes real progress happens when players focus on the little things, not just the flashy plays.
Every drill, every rep—he wants them done right, with full effort. Savage doesn’t really compromise on that, and his players know it.
Practice Makes Perfect
For him, practice isn’t just routine—it’s everything. The way you work during the week is how you’ll play on Saturday, simple as that.
Makai Lemon is a perfect example. His relentless practice habits earned him the Biletnikoff Award and made him a likely first-round NFL pick. Lemon set the bar high for everyone else in that receivers room.
The Next Generation of USC Receivers
Now that Lemon’s off to the NFL, there’s a big opportunity for the next group. Savage has his eye on a few guys ready to step up.
Names to watch? Zacharyus Williams, Romero Ison, Trent Mosley, Cam Sermons, and Seth Zamora are all in the mix.
Key Players to Watch
- Zacharyus Williams: Coming in from Utah, he’ll shift from the outside to the slot. He missed most of the 2025 season with an upper body injury, but he’s expected to be a key piece this fall.
- Romero Ison: A four-star recruit who didn’t see much action as a freshman. This could be his breakout year.
- Trent Mosley: The MaxPreps California Player of the Year. He’s already shown he’s one of the best in the state, and now he’ll try to do the same at USC.
- Cam Sermons and Seth Zamora: Walk-ons who’ll add some needed depth.
Freshmen Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Ja’Myron Baker are also expected to play on the outside, giving the group even more options.
Savage’s Impact on Recruiting
Savage’s reputation as a recruiter is tough to overstate. He’s helped USC lock down the No. 1 recruiting class for 2026, and that’s no small feat.
He’s got a knack for connecting with recruits and their families, and it’s paying off big time for the Trojans.
Top Recruits Landed by Savage
- Five-star tight end Mark Bowman
- Kayden Dixon-Wyatt
- Trent Mosley
- Four-star receiver Luc Weaver
- Four-star Josiah Jefferson
- The No. 1 ranked JUCO tight end
All of these guys come from Southern California, which says a lot about Savage’s pull in the region.
Blocking: The Unsung Hero of the Receivers’ Game
Catching passes gets the headlines, but Savage is quick to remind everyone that blocking matters just as much. He says blocking is all about attitude and effort, and it’s non-negotiable for his receivers.
Lemon, for instance, wasn’t just a threat as a pass-catcher—he was also a force in the run game, taking on linebackers and safeties when needed.
Building a Physical Team
Savage expects the same from his tight ends. He sees them as an extension of the offensive line, not just big targets downfield.
Last season’s group set a strong example. For USC to compete in the Big Ten, Savage insists that being physical—especially in the run game—is key. If you can’t block, you’re not going to play for him. Simple as that.
The Future Under Coach Lincoln Riley
Lincoln Riley’s choice to bring in Chad Savage is looking smarter by the day. With Riley at the helm and Savage stepping up as pass game coordinator, USC’s offense is in good hands.
Savage’s promotion shows the trust Riley has in him, and honestly, it’s hard not to be optimistic about where this staff can take the Trojans next.
Staying at USC
Despite getting attention from other schools, Savage stuck with USC. He mentioned the growth opportunities and the chance to work under Coach Riley and Athletic Director Jen Cohen.
Savage’s commitment to the program stands out. He genuinely wants to see his recruits thrive at USC, which says a lot about his dedication to the team’s future.
His detail-oriented coaching and relentless recruiting have shaped the Trojans in a big way. The focus on blocking—honestly, that’s not something every coach emphasizes, but Savage does.
With the new season around the corner, fans are hoping to see fresh faces in the receiver room step up. Maybe someone will follow in Makai Lemon’s footsteps—or maybe surprise us entirely.
If you’re curious about Savage’s press conference or want more on where USC football is headed, the original article on Sports Illustrated is worth a read.
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