Following a nailbiter of a win in the Holiday Bowl against Nebraska, USC quarterback Cody Kessler intends to return for his final season with the Trojans. Kessler announced his decision to return for the 2015 season when meeting with the media following the victory in San Diego.
Kessler passed for 3,826 yards and 39 touchdowns with just five interceptions during his junior season for USC. Those are typically numbers that throw a quarterback into the Heisman Trophy conversation, but Kessler could have used a couple of more wins on the year to make that a reality. However, if he is going to coming back in 2015 then he odds are very good he will be considered one of the top Heisman Trophy candidates next season with those kinds of numbers at USC.
Kessler also mentioned the chance to compete for a national championship, which USC could be in a position to compete for under Steve Sarkisian, his second season on the job. USC has plenty of first-team talent, and the roster will continue to get deeper now that the sanction phase is behind the program. That appeared to be the case for the Trojans this season; plenty of talent, but not enough depth.
Kessler will have an offensive line protecting him that was young this season. Another year to grow together as a unit could be beneficial. Kessler will also look to have the bulk of his supporting cast back next season as well, including wide receiver Juju Smith. Veteran wide receiver Nelson Agholor is receiving information regarding his NFL Draft stock before making his decision. Running back Javorius Allen is also awaiting NFL feedback before making his decision. If Agholor and Allen decide to come back to USC in 2015, the Trojans could be very dangerous on offense.