USC’s Struggles Under Lincoln Riley: A Closer Look

The landscape of college football can shift unpredictably. Just weeks ago, the USC Trojans were seemingly on an upswing. Yet, their performance, especially during the Lincoln Riley era, has revealed some weaknesses, notably in away games against significant opponents. In 2025, the Trojans concluded the regular season at 9-3, with defeats at Illinois, Oregon, and Notre Dame.

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Entering 2026, the Trojans aimed for a fresh start. With the top recruiting class nationwide and third-year quarterback Jayden Maiava returning, hopes were high. Hiring Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator added to the optimism, given his track record with TCU.

Despite a challenging schedule with rivals like Oregon, Penn State, and Ohio State, 2026 was poised to be a pivotal year. Aiming for a minimum of ten victories and a possible College Football Playoff berth, the Trojans initially showed promise.

The broader Southeastern Conference turmoil seemed to create openings for more at-large playoff positions. Even after a harsh home defeat by a weakened Oregon team, USC stood 5-1 ahead of a major away matchup at Penn State. The Trojans appeared adequately prepared, overcoming numerous setbacks to secure a 31-23 victory.

Yet, the road matchup at Wisconsin presented unforeseen challenges. At once, USC revealed coaching weaknesses and a lack of discipline. Maiava, struggling with interceptions and errors, faced constant pressure behind an ineffective offensive line. The absence of a substantial running game highlighted further problems.

An illustrative episode occurred as Wisconsin orchestrated an extensive touchdown drive. USC began their response trapped in their own end, failing to seize scoring opportunities.

Indefensible missteps marked the second half under Riley. When Wisconsin, using a novel formation, caught USC unprepared, a subsequent touchdown widened the gap to 17-7.

In the fourth quarter, Riley’s decisions further compounded issues. Opting for a long field goal attempt after enduring a penalty resulted in another failure. Ultimately, Wisconsin sealed USC’s fate with a decisive touchdown.

While Riley faces criticism, Maiava’s erratic play and the offensive line’s performance cannot be ignored. Defensively, despite limiting Wisconsin to 200 total yards, USC’s game plan failed to prevent scoring drives.

As USC struggles to join top-tier colleges, Riley’s tenure faces heightened scrutiny. Despite elite recruiting, the same tactical errors and defensive shortcomings persist.

Prospects for the playoffs hinge on defeating key opponents such as Ohio State and Indiana. Skepticism remains about achieving more than a satisfactory season. The high investments have yet to translate into tangible progress.

In stark contrast, UCLA, under Bob Chesney’s leadership, is vying for playoff placement with innovative strategies. While external pressures like NIL and transfers increase competitive stakes, top institutions consistently maintain high performance levels.

USC’s ambitions are undermined by chronic issues. Should these concerns persist, administrative response will be inevitable. A transition in coaching might be the catalyst needed for meaningful advancement.