USC football news: Lincoln Riley called out, lack of College Football Playoff success

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When USC football hired head coach Lincoln Riley in late 2021, the expectations were immediately sky-high. He signed a massive contract and received every resource imaginable to turn Southern California back into a national championship contender. However, as the 2026 college football season quickly approaches, patience is running thin in Los Angeles.

During a recent episode of the “College Football Enquirer” podcast, college football analysts Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger, and Steven Godfrey did not hold back when discussing Riley’s underwhelming tenure.

“They are supposed to make the playoffs,” Staples emphasized on the show. “They spent all this money on Lincoln Riley to make the College Football Playoff. He’s taken them to the College Football Playoff ZERO times. It is Year 5. They’ve given him everything he needs, he has to deliver results.”

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Staples makes a compelling point. Despite arriving with a proven track record of offensive brilliance, Riley has yet to lead the Trojans to the promised land. USC finished the 2025 campaign with a 9-4 overall record, but they fell short in their biggest matchups. The defense completely faltered against elite competition, heavily contributing to their four losses. A quick look at the box scores shows they surrendered a staggering 42 points to the Oregon Ducks, and gave up 34 points apiece against both the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Illinois Fighting Illini. Their season ultimately ended with a frustrating defeat in the Alamo Bowl.

Now entering his fifth season, the pressure is undeniably on Riley to produce a true contender. The university continues to invest heavily in the football program, recently opening a lavish $225 million training complex and hiring former TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson as their new defensive coordinator to stop the bleeding on that side of the ball.

On offense, returning quarterback Jayden Maiava provides serious firepower. He led the Big Ten Conference last season with 285.5 passing yards per game, giving Riley the offensive tools he needs to succeed. USC fans expect to compete for national titles, not just settle for decent bowl appearances. If Riley cannot finally break through and secure a playoff berth this year, his seat will become incredibly hot. For Riley and the Trojans, it is simply time to deliver.

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