4-Star Kayden Dixon-Wyatt Compares USC Trojans’ Lincoln Riley, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian

Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, one of the most sought-after 4-star recruits in the 2025 college football recruiting class, has become a key figure in the national recruitment landscape. With his blend of skill, athleticism, and football IQ, the wide receiver from California has been a priority target for several top programs. Among the schools vying for his commitment are the USC Trojans and the Texas Longhorns—two programs with high-profile head coaches who are working hard to convince Dixon-Wyatt to join their respective programs.

Both programs are known for their rich football traditions, and each brings something unique to the table. Dixon-Wyatt, having visited both schools and spent time with their coaching staffs, has had the opportunity to compare and contrast the two programs led by two of the most respected offensive minds in the college football world—USC’s Lincoln Riley and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian. As Dixon-Wyatt weighs his options, the battle between Riley’s Trojans and Sarkisian’s Longhorns will likely come down to the nuances of coaching philosophy, program culture, and how each coach plans to develop him as both a player and an individual.

Lincoln Riley: The Offensive Guru at USC

Lincoln Riley is widely recognized as one of the top offensive minds in college football. After transforming the Oklahoma Sooners into a perennial playoff contender, Riley made the bold decision to leave Norman for USC in 2022, bringing with him a reputation for offensive innovation and elite quarterback play. Under Riley’s leadership, USC has seen an immediate resurgence, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

A Proven Track Record with Quarterbacks

For Dixon-Wyatt, the prospect of playing for a coach who has coached Heisman-winning quarterbacks and developed some of the most dynamic offensive schemes in college football is certainly appealing. Lincoln Riley’s track record with quarterbacks speaks for itself. At Oklahoma, Riley helped develop quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts—three players who were Heisman Trophy finalists and top NFL draft picks. The idea of playing in an offense that regularly produces high-caliber quarterbacks and wide receivers likely resonates with Dixon-Wyatt, who is known for his elite route-running, speed, and ability to make plays in the open field.

Riley’s offenses are characterized by their up-tempo pace, deep passing attacks, and an emphasis on spreading the field. Wide receivers in a Riley system are often asked to make plays on the perimeter, run dynamic routes, and stretch the defense vertically. For a wide receiver like Dixon-Wyatt, who excels in space and is capable of taking the top off a defense, Riley’s scheme could be an ideal fit.

Riley’s offense is tailored to showcase the talents of his wide receivers. His ability to get the ball to playmakers in creative ways, whether through quick screens, deep shots, or intermediate routes, gives wideouts multiple opportunities to impact the game. For Dixon-Wyatt, the opportunity to be a key piece of that offense, alongside future NFL-caliber quarterbacks, is likely a major selling point.

USC’s Rich Tradition and Immediate Relevance

In addition to Riley’s offensive prowess, Dixon-Wyatt must also consider the culture and tradition of USC football. The Trojans are one of the most prestigious programs in the country, with a long history of success, including multiple national championships and Heisman-winning players. With a return to national prominence under Riley’s leadership, USC has quickly become a hotbed for top-tier talent.

For Dixon-Wyatt, the allure of playing in a high-profile program like USC is hard to ignore. The Trojans play in the Pac-12, a conference that is home to some of the best talent in the country, and the opportunity to play in Los Angeles, one of the most iconic football markets, could be a major draw. The visibility of playing at a school like USC, combined with the program’s winning culture and Riley’s proven ability to develop players, could provide Dixon-Wyatt with the exposure and development he seeks in his college career.

Steve Sarkisian: The Architect of Texas’ Offensive Resurgence

Steve Sarkisian, who took over as Texas’ head coach in 2021, has been on a mission to restore the Longhorns to national prominence. After a challenging first year, Sarkisian’s offense showed signs of life in 2022 and 2023, with the team improving in multiple areas, including offensive efficiency, quarterback play, and the overall balance of the offense. For Dixon-Wyatt, Sarkisian’s offense offers a different, yet equally compelling, opportunity for development.

An Offensive Mind with a Proven Pedigree

Like Riley, Sarkisian has an impressive track record as an offensive mind. Sarkisian has worked in various roles as an offensive coordinator and head coach, including stints at USC, Washington, and Alabama. His experience at Alabama, working under Nick Saban, particularly stands out. While at Alabama, Sarkisian helped guide the offense to a national title game appearance, and his ability to develop quarterbacks and wide receivers was integral to the success of players like Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith.

Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy is grounded in balance. He emphasizes a mix of power running, play-action passes, and creating opportunities for big plays in the passing game. His system is designed to be adaptable, tailoring its approach to the strengths of the personnel on hand. For Dixon-Wyatt, this presents an intriguing opportunity. While Sarkisian’s offense might not be as pass-heavy and fast-paced as Riley’s, it offers a more complete and multi-dimensional approach. Wide receivers in Sarkisian’s offense are often asked to run crisp routes, block for the running game, and stretch the field both vertically and horizontally.

One of the major selling points for Dixon-Wyatt is the opportunity to work with a coach like Sarkisian, who has developed top-tier wide receivers throughout his career. At Alabama, Sarkisian helped mentor DeVonta Smith, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2020, as well as Jaylen Waddle, another elite NFL prospect. Sarkisian’s experience with developing receivers at the highest level should appeal to Dixon-Wyatt, who is looking for a coach capable of refining his skills and preparing him for the next level.

Texas’ High Expectations and National Stage

Texas, like USC, is a program that carries significant historical weight. The Longhorns are one of the most recognizable programs in college football, with a tradition that includes multiple national championships and a passionate fan base. For Dixon-Wyatt, the opportunity to be part of that storied tradition, along with the chance to play in a program that is eager to return to national relevance, could be incredibly appealing.

Under Sarkisian, Texas has made notable strides in re-establishing itself as a national contender. The Longhorns’ offense has been steadily improving, and with talent like quarterback Quinn Ewers and a growing group of playmakers, the team is on an upward trajectory. For Dixon-Wyatt, joining Texas would mean the opportunity to contribute immediately to an offense that is poised to compete for championships in the Big 12 and, eventually, the College Football Playoff.

Additionally, the Longhorns’ move to the SEC in 2024 will provide Dixon-Wyatt with the chance to compete against some of the best defenses in college football. The SEC is widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, and the exposure from playing at that level could be invaluable for Dixon-Wyatt’s future prospects.

Comparing the Two: What Dixon-Wyatt Values Most

When comparing Lincoln Riley and Steve Sarkisian, Dixon-Wyatt must consider several factors. Both coaches have a strong offensive pedigree, with Riley bringing a reputation for high-powered, up-tempo offenses and Sarkisian offering a more balanced, multifaceted approach. However, Dixon-Wyatt’s decision will also be influenced by the environment he wants to be part of, the coaching staff, and the opportunity for personal development.

For Dixon-Wyatt, it comes down to the system that best fits his skill set, the development he can expect under each coach, and the long-term opportunities each program offers. While USC and Texas both provide ample chances for exposure and success, the ultimate decision will depend on which program feels like the best fit for Dixon-Wyatt’s unique goals—both as a player and as an individual.

Conclusion

As Kayden Dixon-Wyatt continues his recruitment process, the choice between USC and Texas will not be an easy one. Both Lincoln Riley and Steve Sarkisian have established themselves as elite offensive minds, and both programs offer tremendous opportunities for a player of Dixon-Wyatt’s caliber. Whether it’s Riley’s proven success in developing quarterbacks and wide receivers in a fast-paced offense or Sarkisian’s balanced approach to developing multi-dimensional playmakers, Dixon-Wyatt has two outstanding options to consider. Ultimately, his decision will come down to which program he believes will best help him achieve his goals on the field and set him up for success in the future.