The USC coaching search is about to heat up, as the Trojans hope to hire a new head coach in a matter of days before the Early Signing Period begins.

James Franklin was rumored to be among the top candidates at USC; however, Franklin has signed a new contract to remain at Penn State. Cincinnati’s Luke Fickell was also reportedly in the mix for the Trojans job, but Fickell is staying put at Cincinnati. Michigan State’s Mel Tucker was a hot candidate, too, for multiple jobs, but the Spartans gave Tucker a massive new contract.

So, where will USC turn?

FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt recently predicted who will get the USC job on Colin Cowherd’s show — Baylor’s Dave Aranda.

“I understand (his lack of experience) and people have talked about, he’s a very deep thinker,” Klatt said of Aranda. “He’s not what you would think of when you think of L.A., but I’ve heard that that’s getting some momentum.”

Reports surfaced Thursday that Baylor is working on a new contract for Aranda to remain in Waco. Aranda has also been in the mix for the LSU job, too.

However, Baylor is fighting to hold on to its head coach like Penn State (Franklin), Cincinnati (Fickell) and Michigan State (Tucker).