The Trojans will take the long road in building their 2022 recruiting class. Just 6 players signed with USC on the opening day of the Early Signing Period, and while there could be fireworks throughout the week still, a new head coach in Lincoln Riley needs time to evaluate the roster he has still and chart out a plan for the transition class.

Riley, in speaking with the Pac-12 Network on Wednesday, used the word “overhaul” to describe the undertaking inside the John McKay Center.

“We’re getting ready to, in a lot of ways, overhaul this roster. Today is one step in a process,” he said, per Jon Wilner. “The (recruits) we will bring in early are those that we feel very confident will help us change the culture.

“We can’t just rely on a logo or history to be the only reason to think guys are going to sign here. We’ve got to create an experience that makes it so (local recruits) want to be here.”

Riley went on to say that the transfer portal being what it is makes every day, in effect, signing day. “This, in a lot of ways, is just another day for us,” he said. “When you’re getting ready to turn over the number of spots we’re getting ready to turn over, there’s an understanding that it’s a process.”

The Trojans capped a 4-8 season with a 10-point loss to Cal on Dec. 4. Since, more than a half-dozen players have gone into the portal. It would seem Riley is all-in on the rebuild in Los Angeles.