USC Coach Lincoln Riley thanks Miami Dolphins over “very cool gesture” surrounding rookie Tahj Washington

USC football coach Lincoln Riley will enter his third year with the program in the 2024 season. With just over a month remaining until the new season begins, Riley received a kind gesture from the Miami Dolphins, who drafted his USC wideout Tahj Washington earlier this year.

Riley posted a photo of his gift, which was a customized football from the Dolphins about drafting Washington, on X. The NFL franchise also sent the USC coach a letter, thanking him and the Trojans staff for their insights on the player.

"Appreciate the @MiamiDolphins. Very cool gesture from a classy organization! You got a great one in @tahj_washington," Riley tweeted.

The Dolphins selected Washington in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft. The wideout played five years of college football before going pro.

Washington spent two years at Memphis before transferring to USC ahead of the 2021 season. He played three years with the Trojans, two of which came under coach Lincoln Riley.

In his final season with the Trojans, Washington racked up a career-high 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns on 59 receptions. His excellent season, along with Riley's insights, prompted the Dolphins to draft the wideout this year.

Unfortunately, reports this week suggested that Washington will miss the entirety of his rookie season in the NFL. He was placed on the Dolhins' IR on Tuesday, but the nature of his injury is still unknown.

Who is Lincoln Riley's starting QB at USC in 2024 season?

USC Trojans QB Miller Moss (Source: Imagn)

As things stand, Miller Moss is expected to get the nod as USC's starting quarterback for the 2024 season. The signal-caller also represented the Trojans during the Big Ten media day on Wednesday, along with coach Lincoln Riley.

Moss has big shoes to fill at USC since he will be replacing Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. The Chicago Bears drafted Williams as the top pick in this year's NFL draft.

Moss served as Williams' backup since 2021 but will get his chance to prove his worth this season as USC moves to the Big Ten.