USC's Creative Jab at Oregon's Viral Moment
The USC Trojans have taken a playful yet pointed swipe at Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning with a cleverly crafted social media video. Following the commitment of five-star tight end Mark Bowman to USC on May 30, the Trojans released a commitment alert video inspired by the movie 'Anchorman,' featuring a character performing a cannonball jump into a pool. This was a direct reference to Lanning's viral moment earlier in May when he jumped into a pool to celebrate the commitment of another five-star recruit, Richard Wesley, who later decommitted from Oregon on May 27.
The video, shared widely across social platforms, has garnered significant attention for its humor and timing. USC's social media team capitalized on the opportunity to not only celebrate Bowman's commitment but also to poke fun at their Big Ten rival. This move underscores the intensifying rivalry between the two programs as they continue to compete for top talent in the recruiting landscape.
Mark Bowman's Commitment Boosts USC's Top-Ranked Class
Mark Bowman, ranked as the No. 1 tight end in the 2026 class by recruiting services, is a significant addition to USC's already impressive roster of commitments. His decision to join the Trojans marks the second five-star commitment for USC in May, further solidifying their position with the top-ranked recruiting class in the nation. Bowman's pledge is seen as a major win for head coach Lincoln Riley and his staff, who have been aggressively building a competitive team.
The announcement of Bowman's commitment was strategically paired with the viral video troll, amplifying the impact of the news. This recruitment success highlights USC's growing momentum in attracting elite talent, particularly from local prospects, as they aim to strengthen their standing in college football.
Rivalry Heats Up Between USC and Oregon
The rivalry between USC and Oregon has taken on a new dimension with this latest social media exchange. While Lanning's pool jump was initially celebrated as an innovative way to connect with recruits, Wesley's subsequent decommitment opened the door for USC to turn the moment into a point of mockery. Posts on X indicate that fans and analysts alike are enjoying the lighthearted jab, with many noting how it adds fuel to the competitive fire between the two schools now that both are part of the Big Ten conference.
This incident is just one chapter in the ongoing battle for supremacy on the field and in recruiting circles. As both programs vie for top prospects like Bowman, such creative tactics off the field are likely to continue, keeping fans engaged and entertained while highlighting the stakes of college football rivalries.