This is probably the case, so the only hard number USC is working with is 75, the maximum number of players they can have on their roster in any one season from 2011 through 2013. I found this blog that discusses it: USC football: Roster, scholarship update (10/12/10) - USC - The Orange County Register So essentially if they can kick off enough players that aren't carrying their weight, then they could sign much closer to 25 players than 15 each of the next 2 recruiting seasons as well. And given Lane Kiffin's track record, watch for this to happen. The blogger alludes to them having only 73 on the roster for the 2010 season, so it sounds like Kiffin already got rid of some players, because no major BCS school goes into a season with only 73 players.
Ah, I see now. They won't be able to take any more and stay below 75. I still think it's a good idea to get as large a group of players into the system as possible before the hammer falls though, even if it is a little slimy. Then they will sign 35 the year after probation ends.
Correct. Since they are at 73 already coming into this season, the sanctions don't really mean squat as far as their recruiting classes go. They will look just like anyone elses. To make it work this year, they have 16 seniors bringing the 73 down to 57. You can figure another 5 players either bolt for the NFL or transfer or quit, so that brings it down to 52. They can sign 23 this year. So watch for 4-5 players on the current team get the heave ho (dead weight) and 1-2 more players of the recruiting class told they won't be getting a scholarship. Kiffy was relying on that appeal to come through, which would allow the total to go from a 75 to 80 man roster. Outside the Lines, you are needed.
