Troubles in USC Football Under Lincoln Riley
The landscape of modern college football can shift rapidly. Not long ago, the USC Trojans were experiencing a surge of optimism. Yet, under head coach Lincoln Riley, the team has struggled significantly in away games against major programs. In 2025, for instance, the Trojans compiled a 9-3 regular-season record. They suffered all three losses on the road at Illinois, Oregon, and Notre Dame.
The forecast for 2026 seemed brighter. USC secured the top recruiting class in the country. They brought back starting quarterback Jayden Maiava, who was set to begin his third year with the program and second as a starter. Additionally, they welcomed Gary Patterson, a new defensive coordinator with substantial experience, known for extracting strong performances at TCU.
Challenges and Expectations
The schedule posed a daunting challenge with formidable opponents like Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana. The 2026 season was viewed as a turning point. The expectation was clear: win 10 games and reach the College Football Playoff.
Throughout early October, even as some performances underwhelmed, the Trojans remained in the running. Chaos in the SEC had opened opportunities for more at-large spots. Despite a troubling home loss to a weakened Oregon, USC stood at 5-1 heading into a critical away game against Penn State. In a notable victory, the Trojans triumphed 31-23 amid a challenging environment.
Setbacks and Controversies
However, their fortune changed post-victory. Ohio State’s setback with starting quarterback Julian Sayin out for the regular season made upcoming matches seem more hopeful. A win at Wisconsin would have set the stage for a key home game.
The game at Wisconsin revealed familiar issues: poor coaching, lack of discipline, and the inability to recover when situations worsened. The offensive line, previously thought to be robust, faltered against a Wisconsin defense previously overwhelmed by Notre Dame. Maiava delivered a disappointing performance, making costly interceptions and penalties. USC’s running game was ineffective, resulting in negative rushing yards.
A crucial second-quarter sequence encapsulated their struggles. After a long Wisconsin drive, USC began with the ball deep in their own territory and failed to progress significantly before halftime.
Strategic Missteps
In the second half, Riley made tactical errors. Instead of utilizing a timeout when Wisconsin threatened, confusion in USC’s defense allowed the Badgers to extend their lead. Decision-making flaws continued when a risky 59-yard field goal attempt fell short, leading to a decisive Wisconsin touchdown.
The blame for the loss doesn’t rest solely on Riley. Maiava’s hurried, error-filled play compounded the issues, while the offensive line’s inability to provide protection remained evident. The defense faltered, unable to capitalize on Wisconsin’s limited offensive strategy.
Looking Forward
USC still has a playoff chance if they can best consecutive opponents including Ohio State and UCLA. However, skepticism about their ability to win consistently persists. In Riley’s fifth year, hopes for playoff contention remain unmet. The pressure continues to build on his tenure.
In contrast, UCLA under Bob Chesney positions itself for playoff contention, exemplifying the competitive environment in Los Angeles. Despite the challenge of winning in college football today, USC’s lack of progress is difficult to overlook compared to peers like Georgia and Ohio State.
As the Trojans’ journey continues, expectations surround Riley’s future, particularly if performances fail to align with aspirations of playoff success.