USC Football Creates First Director of AI Position in College Football Under Lincoln Riley

USC Football Appoints First Director of AI in College Football

USC football is set to elevate Conor McQuiston to director of Artificial Intelligence, marking the first hire of its kind in college football 1

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. Lincoln Riley's program confirmed the move Wednesday, June 10, positioning the Trojans at the forefront of advanced technology integration in collegiate sports. McQuiston, who joined the program last year as director of football analytics, will report directly to USC general manager Chad Bowden 2

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From Analytics to AI Leadership

Conor McQuiston brings experience from both the NFL and college football to his new role as USC director of Artificial Intelligence 2

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. Over the past year, he focused on projects involving opponent scouting, tendencies, and similar matters within the analytics framework 1

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. As the program transitions McQuiston into this pioneering position, USC plans to hire additional full-time staffers to support the football program's analytics department and research 2

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. This expansion signals the program's commitment to maintaining depth in data-driven decision-making while exploring AI applications.

How AI in College Football Is Already Taking Shape

While the exact focus of McQuiston's work as first director of AI in college football remains undefined, AI has already begun infiltrating various aspects of the sport 1

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. A Power 4 front office staffer revealed to The Athletic this spring that they've worked with an AI company that developed an agent to watch recruiting film and act as the first set of eyes on prospects 1

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. Beyond recruiting, programs have discussed utilizing AI to filter recruits and create graphics. Former LSU and Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly recently discussed the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in the sport with USA TODAY Sports 2

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. The technology could prove beneficial as a research tool for film analysis and day-to-day operations, though programs are still in the infancy stages of understanding its full potential 1

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$200 Million Investment Fuels USC's AI Push

The timing of this appointment aligns with a massive financial commitment to AI research at USC. University trustee Mark and Mary Stevens donated $200 million to bolster AI research last month 1

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. Mark Stevens, a USC alum and minority owner in the NBA's Golden State Warriors, designated the gift specifically for AI research and utilization 2

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. People within the Trojans football program praised athletics director Jennifer Cohen for her willingness to embrace this innovative move 2

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Gaining Advantages in the Margins

USC's approach reflects a broader philosophy of seeking competitive edges through specialized roles. The program already employs Connor Killian as director of game management, demonstrating a pattern of considering ways to gain advantages in the margins 1

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. Chad Bowden, who hired Notre Dame's first-ever director of analytics Anthony Treash during his tenure as the Fighting Irish's general manager, continues this trend at USC 2

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. As Riley prepares for his fifth season as Trojans head coach with 15 returning starters including quarterback Jayden Maiava, the program is positioning itself on the front line of AI in college football 1

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. USC opens the 2026 season, their third as a Big Ten member, at home on Aug. 29 against San Jose State 2

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