USC Football Relies on New Recovery Center for College Football Playoff Push
The Trojans are leveraging advanced amenities like nap pods and red-light therapy in their state-of-the-art Bloom Football Performance Center to gain an edge.
The USC football team is tapping into its cutting-edge recovery facilities as a key advantage in its pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth. As the No. 19 Trojans (6-1 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) enter their first bye week, the amenities within the recently opened $225 million Bloom Football Performance Center are proving instrumental.
The facility, which welcomed players in August, is designed to mirror the advanced recovery systems used in professional sports leagues like the NFL and Major League Baseball. Among its features are infrared therapy beds, sensory deprivation tanks, and zero-gravity chairs. Players have particularly praised the nap pods, which offer a recommended 30 to 40 minutes of rest.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava has occasionally slept longer than intended in the nap pods, requiring assistance to wake up after an hour. "A couple of times, yeah," Maiava admitted with a smile when asked about oversleeping.
Running back King Miller has found significant benefit in the red-light therapy, using it for approximately 45 minutes, three times a week. "It gets my body rejuvenated," Miller said, especially noting its effectiveness after gaining 15 pounds to manage the physical demands of the season.
Tight end Tucker Ashcraft also highlighted the team's use of hot and cold tubs, describing them as a welcome feature for pre-practice recovery. "You can hang out there with your buddies," Ashcraft said. "Dip the ankles in before practice in the hot tub, whatever I need to do."
USC coach Lincoln Riley acknowledged the positive impact of the 163,000-square-foot complex, stating, "Our team has advantages, and therefore is better because of it already." He added that the facility has helped streamline player schedules, allowing for more efficient use of time that can be dedicated to film study, sleep, and academics.
The active rehabilitation center within the Bloom Center, spanning 5,406 square feet, is expected to aid in the return of injured players. Riley expressed optimism about the team's health heading into their next game against Wisconsin on Oct. 24. "I’m hopeful going into Wisconsin that just from a whole we’ll be as healthy as we’ve been all year," Riley said. "We haven’t been able to see this team quite at full strength yet from a health perspective, so I’m kind of excited and interested to see what that would look like."
The Bloom Center represents a significant upgrade from the 14-year-old John McKay Center. Riley believes the benefits of the new facility will compound over time, as players continue to utilize its recovery components to mitigate wear and tear on their bodies. Freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley, who returned from a knee injury, also noted the benefits of the red-light therapy and nap pods, feeling "rested" after using them.