Chicago – As USC's football season approaches, head coach Lincoln Riley is actively promoting his team, asserting it is his best since joining the university and that the opportunity to win at a high level is present. Riley articulated this message at the Big Ten media days, emphasizing program "alignment" and "momentum" similar to his successful tenure at Oklahoma.
Riley stated that for the first time at USC, these championship-level factors are in place, coinciding with the program's transition to the Big Ten conference, a new athletic director, and a new university president. However, the article suggests that significant improvement is necessary, particularly in reaching the College Football Playoff. With an expanded playoff format, qualifying among the top teams is seen as a baseline expectation for a program with USC's historical achievements, including 11 national championships and eight Heisman Trophy winners.
Since Pete Carroll's departure after the 2009 season, USC football has struggled to recapture its previous success. Coaches Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, and Clay Helton all faced challenges in maintaining consistent performance. Riley was hired prior to the 2022 season with the expectation of returning the Trojans to their former prominence. Despite a 35-18 record through his tenure, which is comparable to Helton's record over the same period, the team has appeared in secondary bowl games. The 2022 season, highlighted by Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, ended in a disappointing Cotton Bowl loss, and subsequent seasons have been characterized by defensive struggles and mid-tier bowl appearances.
Riley's previous success at Oklahoma, where his teams reached the four-team College Football Playoff three times in five seasons, contrasts with his record at USC, where the team has not yet qualified for the playoff.
Following the team's Alamo Bowl loss last season, Riley has been vocal about changes within the program. He acknowledged the need to win critical road games, citing upcoming matchups at Oregon and Michigan. Riley believes that consistent success in these challenging games is key to defeating any opponent.
USC has invested heavily in Riley's program, providing significant resources, including an $200 million performance center, and affording him considerable latitude. The upcoming schedule, featuring home games against Oregon and Ohio State and a bye week before facing Indiana, presents a favorable opportunity. With a veteran quarterback, an experienced offensive line, and a respected defensive coordinator, the team is expected to contend for a playoff spot. The article posits that with only two potential losses, USC could still qualify for the expanded playoff.
Anything less than a consistent playoff presence in the coming seasons could lead to significant changes, with the athletic department facing scrutiny if the program fails to meet expectations. The success of the 2026 season is presented as a pivotal moment for Riley and the USC football program.