Matt Barkley announced his decision to remain with the USC Trojans for his senior season in front of a Christmas tree in the middle of Heritage Hall on the campus of the University of Southern California. It was a Merry Christmas for SC Nation, as the band, assembled for this press conference, played the fight song in celebration.

Barkley, who led USC to a 10-2 record this season, is projected as a top 5-10 pick in the April draft. Many scouts have him as the second quarterback taken after Andrew Luck. The junior from Newport Beach, California is the last of four prominent Trojan college football players  juniors to announce his plans this season.

All-American left tackle Matt Kalil and defensive end Nick Perry are turning pro. All-American safety T.J. McDonald announced Wednesday that he would return for his senior season.

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