USC reserve quarterback Ryan Hilinski is ending his two year association with the program. Hilinski’s name is in the NCAA Transfer Portal as of Wednesday. Hilinski can take advantage of the one year free transfer the NCAA is providing and be eligible immediately at his next stop in 2021.
Hilinski was one of the more highly decorated recruits signed by former Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp. He was part of the 2019 class, arriving from California with his entire family moving to the Palmetto State. He was rated a four-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite and ranked the #2 pro-style quarterback in the country.
Hilinski got the chance his freshman season to show off his talents after starting quarterback Jake Bentley was lost for the season after game one. He went on to pass for 2357 yards, 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. But new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo went a different direction in 2020, opting first for Collin Hill and then Luke Doty. Hilinski appeared in just 2 games and attempted only 6 passes.
Hilinski perhaps was better known for his activities off the field. He and his family promoted their Hilinski’s Hope Foundation in memory of his brother Tyler who died from suicide in 2018. Hilinski also involved himself in a number of charities and social movements during his time in Columbia.
I think it’s an absotute shame we (USC) let a QB of this caliber get away and make all the pressure of carring a Football team on Freshman / Sophmore. Why did he (Hilinski) not play more??