Challenges and Expectations in Lincoln Riley’s Tenure at USC

Lincoln Riley’s time as head coach of the USC Trojans has had its challenges. When Riley took charge before the 2022 season, expectations were high due to his impressive track record. He was expected to restore the Trojans to their former glory, similar to his achievement with the Oklahoma Sooners, where he had a remarkable record of 55-10, including 33-7 in conference play. Riley led the Sooners to four New Year’s Six games and three consecutive seasons of winning 12 games.

In 2022, USC was close to entering the playoffs but fell short due to an injury to Caleb Williams during the Pac-12 Championship Game. Since then, USC has struggled to pose a credible threat to the expanded playoff field. As of 2026, Riley faces a crucial season.

The USC athletic department has achieved better alignment under general manager Chad Bowden, and their NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) program has played a key role in securing the nation’s top recruiting class. Despite these advancements, the schedule remains challenging, and patience among supporters is dwindling.

“It’s May, right? But looking at it in May, there’s definitely a real difference. It’s tangible. It’s not just hope,” Riley remarked at the recent Big Ten meetings, according to CBS Sports.

Riley expressed confidence, noting improvements not only in talent acquisition but also in teaching players to win and progress. He emphasized that he has seen real progress on and off the field.

“I’m a lot better coach than at any point during the years at Oklahoma,” he stated. “I’ve definitely learned and grown a lot. There are a lot of things I’ve learned now that I wish I had known back then.”

Riley averaged roughly 11 wins per year in Oklahoma, a feat he has yet to achieve at USC. However, he believes the Trojans are nearing that level. According to Riley, a few different outcomes in crucial moments could have led them to the playoffs.

“We were close enough last year to taste it,” Riley said. “I mean, literally snaps away from being right in it. I know we have absolutely taken steps. Honestly, now, it’s just time to go do it. It’s time. The program’s ready for it.”

In a specific instance, the Trojans were leading the Illinois Fighting Illini late in the fourth quarter before losing. They missed opportunities against Notre Dame that could have made the game more competitive. Elite teams often manage to secure critical plays against strong opponents, yet USC has not consistently succeeded in this regard. The team was notably outperformed by the Oregon Ducks in Eugene.

Many USC supporters attribute such shortcomings to Riley. Examples include a risky trick play called by Riley in South Bend when receiver Makai Lemon fumbled while down by three points in the fourth quarter.

This season presents further challenges, even without Notre Dame. USC faces matches at Indiana and Penn State and must host Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington. They also have a rivalry game with UCLA, now led by a new coach, and a road trip to Wisconsin. Winning nine games could still be considered a “successful” season. However, if Riley has indeed improved as head coach, achieving ten wins and reaching the playoffs is crucial. Otherwise, scrutiny regarding his job will intensify rapidly.