After USC's disappointing loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl, former Trojan players expressed strong criticism of the team's performance and coaching under Lincoln Riley, emphasizing the need for accountability, better coaching, and a successful offseason to improve future prospects.
USC and Michigan are set for a highly anticipated college football game at the Los Angeles Coliseum, with subtle coach comments adding tension. Michigan's Sherrone Moore downplayed the venue's significance, while USC's Lincoln Riley dismissed Moore's remarks, emphasizing the focus on the game. This matchup marks a rare meeting between the two programs, hinting at a developing rivalry.
USC football coach Lincoln Riley dismissed rumors of leaving for another coaching position, affirming his commitment to the Trojans during a signing day news conference. Despite interest from UCF following Gus Malzahn's departure, Riley stated he is "home" at USC. Riley's tenure at USC has seen mixed results, with a 25-14 record over three seasons, including a challenging 6-6 season in 2024. Riley previously denied interest in the LSU job while at Oklahoma before joining USC.
UCF has reportedly inquired about USC coach Lincoln Riley for their head coaching position, following Gus Malzahn's departure to Florida State. Despite the inquiry, Riley has expressed his commitment to USC, though industry speculation suggests he might consider an NFL offensive coordinator role. Riley's tenure at USC has seen mixed results, with a 6-6 season this year and a 25-14 overall record. His high salary and long-term contract with USC could be obstacles for UCF, which may not afford him. Meanwhile, USC's recruiting efforts continue with a top-100 commitment.
Five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart from New Orleans has committed to USC, choosing the Trojans over LSU, Oregon, and Ohio State. Stewart, who reclassified to the 2025 class, is ranked as the No. 3 defensive lineman and No. 16 prospect overall. He cited the opportunity to be a trendsetter and the significant improvement in USC's defense as key factors in his decision. Stewart praised head coach Lincoln Riley and future position coach Eric Henderson, emphasizing the off-field opportunities and the program's potential for growth.
UCF has inquired about USC coach Lincoln Riley as a potential replacement for Gus Malzahn, who left to become Florida State's offensive coordinator. Despite the inquiry, there is no indication Riley is interested in leaving USC, where he is three years into a lucrative 10-year contract. Extracting Riley from USC would be costly, and UCF is unlikely to match his current deal. Riley's tenure at USC has seen diminishing returns, with the team struggling in recent seasons, but he remains committed to building the program.
USC's football team ended their season with a 49-35 loss to Notre Dame, marking a disappointing 6-6 record. Despite a strong performance from quarterback Jayden Maiava, who accounted for five touchdowns, USC's defense struggled, allowing 436 yards. Key mistakes, including two late interceptions returned for touchdowns, sealed their fate. Coach Lincoln Riley expressed pride in the team's effort but acknowledged missed opportunities and emphasized the need for continued perseverance.
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley praised his team's resilience and performance after their 28-20 victory over Nebraska. USC's quarterback Jayden Maiava impressed in his first start, contributing significantly to the win. Riley highlighted the importance of finishing the season strong and commended the team's ability to overcome early setbacks, including a pick-six. He also noted the contributions of punter Eddie Czaplicki and emphasized the need to improve on certain issues moving forward.
The USC football program has been placed on a one-year probation by the NCAA for exceeding the allowed number of coaching staff during the 2022 season and spring 2023, violating rules on coaching activities. USC coach Lincoln Riley was found responsible for the violations, although he rebutted this presumption. USC will also pay a $50,000 fine but Riley will not face suspension. The university has cooperated with the NCAA to address the violations and implement corrective measures.
During President Biden's State of the Union address, he mistakenly referred to Laken Riley as "Lincoln" Riley, causing USC football coach Lincoln Riley to trend on social media. Pat McAfee, host of "The Pat McAfee Show," initially thought the coach had died due to the trending topic. Biden's mishap was criticized by Laken's mother, Allyson Phillips, and others, with some attributing the error to his policies.
Fans and well-wishers of USC football coach Lincoln Riley took to social media to offer faux condolences after President Biden accidentally mentioned his name instead of Laken Riley's during his State of the Union address, causing outrage from Laken Riley's family. Despite the mix-up, fans expressed support for Riley, with some jokingly offering condolences and checking in on him, while Riley himself has not publicly addressed the controversy.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley believes that rumors about quarterback Caleb Williams not wanting to play for the Chicago Bears are just a smokescreen, citing similar situations with his previous quarterbacks who went on to succeed in the NFL. Riley urges the Bears to focus on Williams' on-field abilities and not be swayed by the media storm, reinforcing the belief that Williams is a franchise-caliber quarterback.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley dismissed rumors that quarterback Caleb Williams is opposed to playing for the Chicago Bears in the upcoming NFL draft, calling it a "smokescreen" and emphasizing Williams' focus on winning. Speculation arose after Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd suggested Williams may have concerns about the Bears, but Riley likened it to typical predraft subterfuge. While it's not uncommon for prospects to express preferences, Riley believes Williams is low-key and focused on the right things, similar to past situations like Joe Burrow's alleged reluctance to join the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020.
USC Football has added 19 high school football players during the December early signing period, including several four-star recruits and players ranked in the ESPN300 and Top247 lists. The signees will join the Trojan program in January or the fall, with one player currently serving a Mormon mission. USC may add more players before the next signing day in February.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley is still in pursuit of 5-star quarterback DJ Lagway, who had committed to the University of Florida on Early Signing Day. Lagway's father confirmed that Riley had a conversation with his son, but still believes that Lagway will ultimately choose the Gators. Lagway is a highly sought-after prospect and his decision is crucial for both USC and Florida, especially with Florida losing commitments from other top recruits.