Lincoln Riley and the Trojans face imposing big game test next season

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This upcoming season will be a big year for Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans. The Trojans made progress last season, but not enough to yet fully say that Lincoln Riley is not a coach on the hot seat for this next season. The Trojans need success, and that success will start with winning big games and having a shot at the College Football Playoff. There are not many games bigger on the schedule than their matchup vs Oregon.

In a recent tweet, ON3 reporter Ari Wasserman breaks down some of the biggest games next season, and he believes Oregon vs USC fits that bill. Here is what he had to say about this matchup featuring a heated rivalry:

“Next year’s Oregon game at USC is one of the top 10 juiciest games of the 2026 season. “This is where USC shows, ‘We are here to make the playoff, we are here to be part of the Big Ten race,’ or it’s where they say, ‘Alright, we’re not on Oregon’s level AGAIN.’ ”

USC proved its Big Ten status last season with wins over Michigan and Iowa, but just like Ari Wasserman stated, it is time for more, and it is time to show you are a contending team for the playoff. Who better to do that than our former Pac-12 rival, the Oregon Ducks? If all goes well for both teams, this will be a highly anticipated battle for both teams, that very well could have playoff implications.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Oregon football vs USC will carry big potential implications

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