Official announcement on the merger with On3 and ... my status
- By Ryan Young
- Trojan Talk
- 21 Replies
While I haven't formally said anything, I think it's clear from the other thread as to my status moving forward. But here it is ...
On July 1, our site here will be rolled into On3's USC site, WeAreSC.com. As it stands, I will not have a role with that site moving forward, unfortunately. I would love to continue covering USC after seven years on the beat, and I'll leave open the possibility that further conversations could lead to something with the new operation, but I'm not banking on anything and as of now I am done after Monday.
It certainly has been a tough reality to accept, as I have such anticipation and excitement for this particular Trojans season ahead. I'll be plugged into it one way or another, either if an opportunity arises to remain covering the program or at home watching on TV. But, no, this is not the outcome I wanted. When it was initially announced two months ago that On3 had purchased Rivals, I had real optimism this site would remain and would be even stronger with access to On3's recruiting coverage, but I also wasn't surprised that the decision was made not to maintain two sites in the same market. Unexpected change has been a constant reality of my career in this business -- it's what brought me here in the first place, and I've been grateful for that outcome the last seven years. I don't know what comes next for me -- I'm looking into several leads at the moment while, again, maintaining hope that there might still be a place for me covering USC. But all of that will sort itself out in due time.
For now, what's most important to me is thanking everyone who has been part of our site here, whether predating me or at any point during my seven years here. I've absolutely loved the community we have on this site and how it differs from some others, with the fun banter and strong opinions but also general civility, the inside jokes and references that only longtime members get initially along with the new ones that develop, and of course, how incredibly well you all have treated me. The "Call to Arms" thread has hit me in a big way and means so, so much to me. Thank you for that and for caring about my future during this transition. I'll make sure the folks at On3 see it as I continue communication with them. But whatever happens, that thread — with the time so many have taken to chime in on it — is very special to me and will stick with me.
I also want to give special, special thanks for the incredible help I've had on this site from the rest of our team. Tajwar Khandaker has been with me since the beginning, and I truly think he is unmatched on this beat (but really in a much broader scope) in terms of his film analysis/breakdowns and Xs-and-Os knowledge. His First-and-10 columns and Film Room pieces (read today's!) are just on their own level. Jeff McCulloch has been my right-hand man at practices and games and camps, etc., going back to the end of the Clay Helton Era, helping us get interviews, taking all of our photos, shooting video, working the sidelines during games, chipping in with recruiting updates and offensive line breakdowns. He's been an essential part of the operation on whom I've depended greatly. And Matt Moreno joined me three and a half years ago when Rivals asked me to help manage some other sites -- he's been involved in so much for Rivals in that time while also doing a ton for us on the recruiting front here, whether being at events with me or in place of me if I had to be elsewhere, tracking down recruit reaction and being there at commitment ceremonies, chipping in on basketball coverage or football practice if I had a conflict, even just updating the homepage or board on any matter if I was driving at the time and couldn't do it. He's done more behind the scenes than anyone can know, in addition to doing a ton on the coverage front as well. I can't thank them each enough. It's been a heck of a team and one I wish we were keeping together moving forward.
If anyone wants to reach me after Monday, they can do so at RyanJamesYoung@yahoo.com or via direct message on Twitter/X @RyanYoungRivals. If I'm not already following you on there, unfollow and follow me back and I'll make sure to reciprocate with any new followers I get on there so that we can DM there.
As for what you all need to know about the site transition, here is what On3 sent me to post. First, I'll just add that I have great respect for everyone over there. Erik McKinney is a great guy, one of my favorite people on the beat to talk to at practices/games, and does good work for them. Everyone knows Scott Schrader is the most dogged recruiting reporter there is. Marc Kulkin is another friend and has always been great to me. Etc.
If you have any further questions for me about all this, feel free to fire away. I'll also keep responding to the other thread (and all threads through Monday for that matter!). I still have some stories to unload before then as well, so I'll be here until the end.
On3's official statement on the merger coming July 1:
These changes go into effect on July 1.
We want to acknowledge Ryan Young for his outstanding coverage and dedication to the USC community. While he will not be transitioning into a formal role with the combined network at this time, we value his contributions and hope to work out an arrangement for him to participate in some capacity in the future. We’ll share more details as they become available.
Moving forward, you’ll be part of the well-established WeAreSC community — led by premier insiders Scott Schrader and Erik McKinney, who bring decades of experience covering USC athletics.
Your subscription has automatically transferred to WeAreSC on the On3 | Rivals platform. You now have access to the same USC coverage, plus additional insight, features, and community access.
You’ll be locked in at your current rate — as long as you stay active and don’t cancel or let your subscription lapse.
Your existing login credentials will continue to work. If you experience any issues, just contact us at support@on3.com and we’ll help get you sorted.
You’ll have full posting access on the WeAreSC message board. Your post history and username from Rivals have been transferred. If there was a username conflict, we may have added a prefix like r_ or o_. Want to update it? Just email support.
On July 1, our site here will be rolled into On3's USC site, WeAreSC.com. As it stands, I will not have a role with that site moving forward, unfortunately. I would love to continue covering USC after seven years on the beat, and I'll leave open the possibility that further conversations could lead to something with the new operation, but I'm not banking on anything and as of now I am done after Monday.
It certainly has been a tough reality to accept, as I have such anticipation and excitement for this particular Trojans season ahead. I'll be plugged into it one way or another, either if an opportunity arises to remain covering the program or at home watching on TV. But, no, this is not the outcome I wanted. When it was initially announced two months ago that On3 had purchased Rivals, I had real optimism this site would remain and would be even stronger with access to On3's recruiting coverage, but I also wasn't surprised that the decision was made not to maintain two sites in the same market. Unexpected change has been a constant reality of my career in this business -- it's what brought me here in the first place, and I've been grateful for that outcome the last seven years. I don't know what comes next for me -- I'm looking into several leads at the moment while, again, maintaining hope that there might still be a place for me covering USC. But all of that will sort itself out in due time.
For now, what's most important to me is thanking everyone who has been part of our site here, whether predating me or at any point during my seven years here. I've absolutely loved the community we have on this site and how it differs from some others, with the fun banter and strong opinions but also general civility, the inside jokes and references that only longtime members get initially along with the new ones that develop, and of course, how incredibly well you all have treated me. The "Call to Arms" thread has hit me in a big way and means so, so much to me. Thank you for that and for caring about my future during this transition. I'll make sure the folks at On3 see it as I continue communication with them. But whatever happens, that thread — with the time so many have taken to chime in on it — is very special to me and will stick with me.
I also want to give special, special thanks for the incredible help I've had on this site from the rest of our team. Tajwar Khandaker has been with me since the beginning, and I truly think he is unmatched on this beat (but really in a much broader scope) in terms of his film analysis/breakdowns and Xs-and-Os knowledge. His First-and-10 columns and Film Room pieces (read today's!) are just on their own level. Jeff McCulloch has been my right-hand man at practices and games and camps, etc., going back to the end of the Clay Helton Era, helping us get interviews, taking all of our photos, shooting video, working the sidelines during games, chipping in with recruiting updates and offensive line breakdowns. He's been an essential part of the operation on whom I've depended greatly. And Matt Moreno joined me three and a half years ago when Rivals asked me to help manage some other sites -- he's been involved in so much for Rivals in that time while also doing a ton for us on the recruiting front here, whether being at events with me or in place of me if I had to be elsewhere, tracking down recruit reaction and being there at commitment ceremonies, chipping in on basketball coverage or football practice if I had a conflict, even just updating the homepage or board on any matter if I was driving at the time and couldn't do it. He's done more behind the scenes than anyone can know, in addition to doing a ton on the coverage front as well. I can't thank them each enough. It's been a heck of a team and one I wish we were keeping together moving forward.
If anyone wants to reach me after Monday, they can do so at RyanJamesYoung@yahoo.com or via direct message on Twitter/X @RyanYoungRivals. If I'm not already following you on there, unfollow and follow me back and I'll make sure to reciprocate with any new followers I get on there so that we can DM there.
As for what you all need to know about the site transition, here is what On3 sent me to post. First, I'll just add that I have great respect for everyone over there. Erik McKinney is a great guy, one of my favorite people on the beat to talk to at practices/games, and does good work for them. Everyone knows Scott Schrader is the most dogged recruiting reporter there is. Marc Kulkin is another friend and has always been great to me. Etc.
If you have any further questions for me about all this, feel free to fire away. I'll also keep responding to the other thread (and all threads through Monday for that matter!). I still have some stories to unload before then as well, so I'll be here until the end.
On3's official statement on the merger coming July 1:
USC Subscriber FAQ: Trojan Sports + WeAreSC
USC fans — Trojan Sports is merging into WeAreSC on the On3 | Rivals network to create the ultimate destination for Trojans team and recruiting coverage.These changes go into effect on July 1.
What’s happening?
The Rivals site Trojan Sports is merging into On3’s WeAreSC to form a single, unified home for USC fans.We want to acknowledge Ryan Young for his outstanding coverage and dedication to the USC community. While he will not be transitioning into a formal role with the combined network at this time, we value his contributions and hope to work out an arrangement for him to participate in some capacity in the future. We’ll share more details as they become available.
Moving forward, you’ll be part of the well-established WeAreSC community — led by premier insiders Scott Schrader and Erik McKinney, who bring decades of experience covering USC athletics.
I’m a Trojan Sports (Rivals) subscriber. Do I need to do anything?
No — you’re good to go.Your subscription has automatically transferred to WeAreSC on the On3 | Rivals platform. You now have access to the same USC coverage, plus additional insight, features, and community access.
Will my subscription rate change?
No.You’ll be locked in at your current rate — as long as you stay active and don’t cancel or let your subscription lapse.
Do I need to create a new login?
No.Your existing login credentials will continue to work. If you experience any issues, just contact us at support@on3.com and we’ll help get you sorted.
Can I still post on the message board?
Yes.You’ll have full posting access on the WeAreSC message board. Your post history and username from Rivals have been transferred. If there was a username conflict, we may have added a prefix like r_ or o_. Want to update it? Just email support.
What else comes with my On3 subscription?
- Full access to all premium USC content from WeAreSC
- Read premium content across the entire On3 | Rivals network
- Read-only access to other team message boards across the network
