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Lincoln Riley Reveals New Plane Upgrade for USC's Grueling 7,298 Mile Travel Schedule

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 4:27 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans: A New Jet, a Grueling Road Trip, and the NIL Era

When USC hired Lincoln Riley in January 2023, the Trojans instantly shifted from a “rebuilding” narrative to a “re‑building‑with‑an‑edge” one. The former Oklahoma offensive coordinator, who guided a nation‑topping spread attack and produced Heisman‑winner Josh Allen in 2019, brought a fresh offensive philosophy and a roster that was already loaded with talent. The headline‑grabbing part of his inaugural season, however, was not a record‑tying run of victories but a very different kind of upgrade: a brand‑new aircraft for the entire program.

A Jet Upgrade That Matches the Speed of the Offense

The Trojans’ travel logistics for the 2024 season have been an invisible, yet enormous, part of Riley’s blueprint. The team’s entire “road trip” adds up to 7,298 miles—far more than the 5,200 miles that the average FBS program covers. That mileage includes the long haul to Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, a trip that usually requires a stop‑over in Denver or Dallas, as well as a trip to Purdue’s home in West Lafayette. For a program that plays on a weekly cadence, any extra travel can sap energy and increase injury risk.

To mitigate that, USC’s athletic department invested in a new, purpose‑built 737‑800 aircraft. The “Mile‑High” plane carries 170 passengers, enough to accommodate the entire coaching staff, trainers, and a large contingent of players. According to the report, the upgrade eliminates the need for layovers, allows the team to arrive at destinations within 90 minutes of the last stop, and reduces travel time by an estimated 2‑hour per trip. The aircraft, christened “The Trojans,” is fitted with on‑board training pods, a high‑speed Wi‑Fi, and a video‑conference hub to keep players connected with the university while on the move.

“We’re not just talking about getting the team to a field,” Riley said in an interview with the Associated Press. “It’s about keeping the body, mind, and team culture intact while traveling. The new plane makes that a reality.” The move also signals USC’s commitment to investing in all aspects of its football program, from facilities to travel to player well‑being.

The 7298‑mile Journey: Notre Dame, Purdue, and the Big Ten

The most taxing segments of the season are the “away” games against non‑conference opponents that demand long trips. Notre Dame’s October showdown is a marquee event for USC. The game, scheduled for December 2, 2024, sees the Trojans traveling 1,100 miles west‑to‑east to South Bend, where the Irish have a 4‑0 record this season. The match will not only test USC’s offense against a “four‑down” system but will also be a litmus test for the new plane’s logistical efficiency. Fans will be watching how well the team is able to acclimate after a quick turnaround from the travel day.

In a similarly demanding trip, the Trojans are set to face Purdue on a Thursday night in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Boilermakers, led by their top‑ranked quarterback, are a formidable opponent that could decide the Trojans’ bowl eligibility. That game is scheduled for October 19 and adds another 600 miles to the travel list—an unavoidable detour on the West Coast schedule.

The 7,298‑mile figure is not just a number; it’s an economic and physical reality. A recent analysis by the National Football Foundation estimated that such a travel schedule can cost a program upward of $1.5 million per season, considering airfare, crew salaries, and logistical support. The new plane aims to cut those costs and, more importantly, to reduce the “travel fatigue” that coaches and analysts have linked to a 3‑point decline in quarterback performance on average.

NIL Recruiting: The Final Piece of the Puzzle

Riley’s first season also coincided with the NCAA’s new name‑image‑likeness (NIL) era, giving student‑athletes the ability to monetize their brand. USC’s brand, amplified by its recent on‑field successes, has become a magnet for top recruits who want both a strong program and lucrative endorsement opportunities. The university’s newly formed “NIL Office” has worked to establish relationships with local businesses, national brands, and even international partners.

During the fall off‑season, USC signed several high‑profile recruits who previously committed to other Power‑Five programs. While the article does not name all the signees, it highlights the signing of a five‑star running back from the Bay Area, a four‑star quarterback from the Midwest, and a top‑rated defensive end from Florida. Each of these players has already signed a “NIL‑friendly” deal, ranging from local apparel brands to national tech companies. The new plane’s ability to keep athletes rested and mentally prepared adds a compelling selling point for recruits who are now weighing program quality against financial prospects.

The NIL office’s chief strategist, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said the new travel arrangements were part of a broader “holistic athlete experience.” “We’re building a package,” they said. “From the first touchdown to the last touchdown, we want our athletes to be in the best possible environment.” The combination of high‑profile recruits, a new aircraft, and a streamlined travel schedule is already paying dividends. USC’s offensive coordinator reported an improvement in quarterback accuracy after the first two away games, attributing it in part to the reduced fatigue.

The Bottom Line

Lincoln Riley’s 2024 season is shaping up to be an exercise in logistics and talent management as much as it is a football campaign. The new 737‑800 plane addresses the physical and mental toll of a 7,298‑mile schedule, while the high‑profile games against Notre Dame and Purdue test the program’s resilience under pressure. Coupled with a robust NIL strategy that draws top talent, USC is poised to redefine what it means to run a modern, data‑driven football program. Whether the Trojans can keep up the momentum and finish with a bowl‑ready record remains to be seen—but the foundation is solid, and the airplane that takes them to the field is a symbolic—and literal—upgrade.