Looks like Matt Barkley is going to pull a Matt Leinart and return for his "senior season" at Southern Cal. The Trojans have called a presser for this afternoon (1 pm PST) during which Barkley is going to return his decision. There is not a lot of suspense on Twitter around this.

Bruce Feldman has the reasons why Barkley may be coming back:

3 reasons why Barkley may stay: shot to win BCS after enduring sanctions; family's close (sister's a USC FR) & he loves being a college kid.

Matt Leinart chimes in through twitterati:

So does @MattBarkley stay or does he go?? In my opinion, I think he stays!! You heard it first here

If Barkley ends up more like Leinart than Sanchez that will not bode well for him in the NFL. If Barkley went to the pros this year he would have been a top-10 pick. If he comes back - and the chatter indicates that he is - he is potentially taking a huge risk and leaving millions on the table.

With Barkley as the QB, the Trojans will be the overwhelming favorites to win the Pac-12 South and also the conference. Trojans are also getting Tevin's older brother back for his senior season.

As for UCLA, we will still expect the Bruins to compete for the divisional title and beat SC at the Rose Bowl. We will never waver from our expectations of beating SC on our home turf.

UPDATE [N]: Pete Thamel of NYT has the scoop:

Barkley has told teammates he’s returning. Look for good news for USC fans at 4.

And Thamel also tweeted this note that people who are ready to raise the white flag should take note:

Can we hold off crowning USC national champs? They lose their LT, had a bad pass D and did get blown out at ASU. Depth issues, too.

The bold was mine for obvious reasons..

GO BRUINS.

UPDATE II (N): Barkley just made it official saying he is coming back. He also mentioned how the Trogans havve had to "fight on through all the negativity and unfairness brought upon our program."