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The most obvious beneficiary of Carroll's departure and USC's present state of flux is UCLA and coach Rick Neuheisel, who has a prime opportunity to live up to an early boast about ending USC's LA football monopoly.

That starts with recruiting Southern California. Neuheisel already appears well on his way toward signing another highly rated recruiting class, but his cause could be significantly bolstered if he can poach a few touted guys from the Trojans strong class.

If USC doesn't make the right coaching hire, and NCAA sanctions make local prospects look elsewhere, then UCLA could become the first choice in the region. That would mean Rose Bowls again on the Bruins horizon.

"He's the face of the school, and a lot of students come here because of him," said Amir Haider, a sophomore neuroscience major. "It's hard to imagine school without him. You can't replace a person like that. He's an iconic coach and a big reason why I came here. When I saw him and the team on TV, I wanted to be a part of that."

The biggest benefactor of Carroll’s leaving would probably be Florida, then Oklahoma, Notre Dame and U.C.L.A.