USC Trojans hosting big-time transfer quarterback this weekend

Almost as soon as Kansas State quarterback Will Howard announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal last month there were rumblings about a move to the USC Trojans.

Those rumblings grew louder when it was reported Lincoln Riley flew to meet Howard for a visit.

That smoke has proven to be a fire as Howard, himself, posted a short video Friday visiting USC:

The 6-foot-5, 242-pound senior is one of the top signal-callers in the portal.

This fall, Howard threw for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while rushing for an additional 364 yards and three scores.

During his four-year career at Kansas State, he has accumulated 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns and 25 interceptions with 921 yards and 19 scores on the ground.

As a senior coming out of Downingtown West (Pennsylvania) in the class of 2020, Howard was a high three-star recruit, rated the nation's No. 13 pro-style quarterback by 247Sports. 

For USC, Howard is an essential piece of the puzzle, as Riley must replace likely No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Caleb Williams for next season.

Is Howard the next USC quarterback, or will the Trojans end up looking elsewhere for the next man up under center? 

We'll likely know a lot more very soon.