USC head coach Lincoln Riley believes improving the continuity within the roster is the best way forward for the program to achieve its lofty long-term goals.

The Athletic's Antonio Morales wrote that Riley "wants to emulate Michigan's build," which means more emphasis on player development and less of a focus on the transfer portal.

"The only way that model works — you go get the best developers of talent, and you give the best high school players a reason for why they would want to sign with USC," Riley said.

He added that Michigan "did it the right way" with how it constructed a national championship winner.

Riley wanted to spark an immediate turnaround, particularly on offense, when he first joined the Trojans.

USC ranked No. 1 in 247Sports' team rankings for the 2022 transfer portal. Caleb Williams, Jordan Addison, Mario Williams and Travis Dye were among the headliners who made their way to Los Angeles.

The gambit paid off as the Trojans were one win away from making the College Football Playoff, a massive improvement from going 4-8 in 2021.

The trouble with leaning heavily on the portal is that a coaching staff can find itself in an annual cycle of turning over the roster because upperclassmen move on. Riley and his staff have learned the hard way the portal can cut both ways as well.

USC had the No. 8-ranked group in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 class. Quarterback Malachi Nelson, one of the crown jewels, has already transferred to Boise State, and he's not the only notable recruit who has bid adieu with college eligibility remaining.

To Riley's point, Michigan didn't reach the top of college football by beating every rival school on the recruiting trail. Here's where the Wolverines ranked from 2020 to 2023: 10th, 13th, ninth and 17th.

Former head coach Jim Harbaugh consistently attracted talent to Ann Arbor, Michigan, but what put the team over the top was having an experienced squad all pulling in the same direction.

Given Riley's sizable salary, Trojans fans aren't wrong for expecting results. Going 8-5 when you have the reigning Heisman Trophy winner isn't going to cut it.

But Riley is equally justified in preaching a level of patience.