The 5-for-5 rule could change how teams use freshmen, and USC is already showing how

Redshirt years are now a thing of the past in college football, as the 5-for-5 eligibility rule was passed this offseason. Players now have a blanket of 5 seasons to play for their schools, thus eliminating redshirt years and all the decisions coaches and players need to make with them. While the rule helps players hang around longer in college football, it'll also have a big impact for freshmen.

Coaches typically have had to ensure in blowouts that they weren't burning any redshirt years when they played freshmen, thus limiting the opportunities for players to develop in season. Now that there are no redshirt years, teams can freely play their freshmen, and Lincoln Riley laid the blueprint on Saturday.

USC's freshmen usage could signal a major shift in how college football uses young players

On Saturday, USC opened the season against the San Jose State Spartans, which is far from a test for the Big Ten power. After signing the Nation's top ranked recruiting class this offseason, Lincoln Riley wasn't afraid to use them, with a large chunk of the 35 signees appearing in the season opener, gaining crucial game experience.

Wide receiver Trent Mosley was the star of the show, building chemistry with Jayden Maiava, finishing the game with 7 catches for 118 yards, and a touchdown.

The two players fans were the most excited to see were tight end Mark Bowman and edge rusher Luke Wafle. Both players started the game for the Trojans and quickly showed everyone that they were as advertised, and will play major roles this season.

USC pulled off a major recruiting win when they flipped elite in-state wide receiver recruit Kayden-Dixon Wyatt away from Ohio State, and he showed up with 4 catches for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Late in the game, USC pulled the starters, allowing Jonas Williams to lead the offense where he impressed. Williams finished the game 5 for 7 passing for 47 yards, with his first drive ending in a touchdown for freshman running back Shahn Alston, but the second ended with a freshman mistake interception.

USC was able to get just about half of its top-ranked recruiting class playing time in the first game of the season, and Lincoln Riley has to feel good about the group he recruited. Regardless of who came into the game, the freshmen looked ready to make an impact, as this may be the deepest team Lincoln Riley has put together in Los Angeles.

The 5-for-5 rule had a ton of positives and negatives, and while most saw it as beneficial to older players, it may have the biggest impact on freshmen. In this NIL and Revenue Sharing era, getting early playing time and impressing will only raise your value and help with development. This season we're likely going to see a ton of teams follow suit, and it should lead to more entertaining blowouts.

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