USC has made headlines throughout the offseason for acquiring big-name transfers, but none have been more controversial than former Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison. Now, as the defending Biletnikoff winner prepares for his junior season as a member of the Trojans, he appears to be starting to use the storm of the past few months as fuel.
“I definitely feel like I’m a little bit drugged in the media mud,” Addison tell a local reporter Meeting the media for the first time since his transfer. “But I like being an underdog and I always come out on top. So I think it’s going to be a great story in the end.”
The decision to transfer Addison prompted Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi to allegedly make an angry call to USC coach Lincoln Riley over alleged tampering, According to ESPNThen, there were reports that Addison was unhappy with his name, image and likeness compensation after arriving at USC.
But the 6-footer and potential 2023 NFL first-round pick said USC “just had a feeling” that guided him through a tumultuous offseason during which his name was The sport has been very popular in the news cycle.
“It’s frustrating, but I don’t really care about it because the truth always comes out,” Addison said. “I know what my focus and intentions are. So all of this is just outside noise.”
Addison is one of the sport’s breakout stars in 2021, while amassing 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns, helping Pittsburgh to a surprising ACC title. He decided to move around the May 1 deadline, allowing players to enter the portal and qualify immediately.
“They say it’s a business, so sometimes you have to make decisions for yourself,” Addison said.
He chose USC after the Trojans also acquired other offensive stars such as Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams and Oregon running back Travis Day, who he will be in 2022. Work with them as the Trojans seek a quick turnaround in Riley’s first season following his 4-8 collapse in 2021.
But even as his old coach made it clear he was unhappy with Addison’s departure, the star receiver said he was not involved in the spat involving Narduzzi.
“I didn’t do any of that. I knew where my focus was, I knew what I was going to do with my life, at least in my family,” Addison said. “So I don’t think I really need to go back and talk to them. Whatever they have to say, they can say it. I’m thankful they gave me the opportunity to even play at that prestigious institution, but it’s all right now. Alright though.”
As for the future, Addison said he likes the creativity of USC’s offense and believes the team’s large receiving room capacity will help him transition to a new program.
“They took me in, they took me under their wings,” Addison said. “At war with each other. We’ve been out there, in that field, sprinting, doing what we have to do to prepare for this season. I feel like I can be with them.”
