USC legend Matt Leinart has set a clear expectation for head coach Lincoln Riley: the College Football Playoff must be a reality in Riley's fifth year at the helm of the Trojans. Leinart, who experienced a period of dominance at USC, stated that "progress alone is no longer enough" and that reaching the playoff is "the goal, right? This is Year 5, and I think Lincoln knows that."
Riley arrived at USC in 2022 with significant expectations and nearly delivered immediately, guiding the team to an 11-win season and a Pac-12 Championship Game appearance in his first year. However, the Trojans have not reached the College Football Playoff in any of Riley's first four seasons in Los Angeles, failing to replicate that initial success in the years since.
Leinart believes the 2026 season presents a prime opportunity for USC. The Trojans are currently ranked No. 14, boast arguably their most talented roster to date, feature continuity at quarterback, and have secured the No. 1 recruiting class for the first time under Riley's tenure. "I think the playoffs are realistic. I think that's an expectation," Leinart said in an exclusive interview. He cited the team's talent and depth, a veteran quarterback, and a strong running game as reasons for optimism.
Navigating the Big Ten Gauntlet
However, the path to the playoff is significantly more challenging with USC now competing in the Big Ten Conference, widely considered the top conference in college football and home to the last three national champions. After an opening 3-0 start with victories over San Jose State, Fresno State, and Louisiana, the Trojans face a demanding conference schedule.
Their gauntlet includes matchups against No. 6 Oregon on Sept. 26, No. 19 Washington, No. 16 Penn State on Oct. 10, No. 1 Ohio State on Halloween, and the reigning national champion, No. 5 ranked Indiana, on Nov. 4. Additional conference games against Wisconsin, Maryland, and rival UCLA add to the formidable schedule, which Leinart described as "a minefield that includes ... a gauntlet with very few soft landings."
Leinart suggested that USC will need to perform exceptionally well against top-tier opponents to secure a playoff spot. He stated, "I think you've got to be 10-2 out of the Big Ten to be in the College Football Playoff." This means winning the games they are expected to win while also securing victories against ranked conference foes like Oregon and Ohio State to prove they belong in the playoff conversation. "You've got to win the games you're supposed to, and then you've got to go out there against teams like Oregon and Ohio State and prove that you belong in that conversation," Leinart added. He views the games against five top-20 teams as a crucial measuring stick for the program's readiness.
While Leinart is setting a high bar for success, he stopped short of calling for Riley's dismissal if the playoff goal is not met. He acknowledged the significant young talent on the roster, suggesting there is a foundation for future success regardless of the 2026 season's outcome. Nevertheless, for Riley, who is in his fifth year, the expectation is clear: potential must translate into championship contention.