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Is Sam Huard on the verge of reclaiming his potential? That's the question buzzing around college football circles as the former five-star quarterback commits to the USC Trojans for the 2025 season. After a winding path through multiple programs, Huard's latest transfer marks his fourth stop, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how this transition unfolds.
Sam Huard was once one of the most sought-after quarterback prospects in the 2021 recruiting class, boasting a stunning profile that included ranking as the No. 3 pro-style quarterback. His early career had fans and analysts alike speculating about his immense potential. But the road hasn’t been smooth. After starting at Washington, where he played minimally in five games during his first two seasons, Huard moved on to Cal Poly for the 2023 season. There, he managed to start nine games, showcasing some of his skills with 2,247 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, albeit against lower-tier competition as his team ended the season with a 3-8 record.
His transfer to Utah was seen as a fresh opportunity to reset his career. Unfortunately, after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed injury, Huard found himself sidelined throughout the 2024 season, allowing him to capitalize on a medical redshirt. Huard now arrives at USC with two remaining years of eligibility, hoping to harness the coaching of Lincoln Riley and the familiarity of working with his uncle, Luke Huard, who serves as USC's quarterbacks coach.
The timing of Huard’s transfer is particularly strategic for USC. After a disappointing 7-6 season, the Trojans were in dire need of depth in their quarterback room. With only starter Jayden Maiava and freshman Husan Longstreet on scholarship, Huard brings vital experience and skills to a position that is crucial for the team's success moving forward. However, fans shouldn’t anticipate an immediate starting role for Huard, as projections have him in a backup spot behind Maiava and Longstreet, the latter being a highly-rated recruit and one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class.
Looking back at his past, Huard’s journey is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college sports. As a five-star recruit out of Kennedy Catholic High School, he was seen as a can't-miss prospect, the type that could change the trajectory of a program. With Caleb Williams and Quinn Ewers also in the 2021 class and now shining with professional teams, Huard’s initial expectations feel like a distant echo. The pressure is on as he now seeks to rekindle that spark under the guidance of a coaching staff known for developing quarterback talent.
This opportunity at USC is pivotal for Huard. It offers him a chance not just to play but to learn from one of the best in Lincoln Riley. Fans hope that within the competitive culture at USC, Huard will find the environment conducive for growth and development. The college football landscape is rife with stories of second chances and redemptions, and with two years still ahead of him, Sam Huard will be looking to craft his own narrative.
As he embarks on this new chapter, one questions looms—can Sam Huard rise to the occasion and fulfill the promise that once made him a coveted recruit? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the road ahead is filled with opportunity.
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