USA TODAY Sports reporter John Brice has released a feature that takes an inside look at the University of Southern California’s football program, zeroing in on head coach Lincoln Riley and general manager Chad Bowden.
Riley, now in his second season with the Trojans, has repeatedly shown a readiness to overhaul staff and personnel, clearing out underperforming assistants and pursuing upgrades that he believes will elevate the team’s competitiveness.
Bowden, who joined the program as its chief recruiting architect, has been credited with reshaping the roster through high‑profile signees, and many analysts view his work as a cornerstone of the program’s recent surge.
A Make‑or‑Break Year for Riley
With the College Football Playoff expanding its criteria, USC’s 2026 schedule presents a narrow window for Riley to prove that his adaptive approach can translate into championship contention. Failure to secure a playoff spot could prompt a reassessment of both his and Bowden’s long‑term roles within the program.