When Lincoln Riley arrived in Los Angeles, the excitement was palpable. The former Oklahoma mastermind was tasked with resurrecting a USC program that had ridden the highs of Pete Carroll’s dynasty and the lows of subsequent years. His first season in 2022 produced an 11‑3 record, sparking hopes of a quick return to the top tier of college football.
A Program at a Crossroads
The following seasons proved more uneven. After a strong 2022 campaign, the Trojans slipped to 8‑5 and then 7‑6, raising questions about Riley’s ability to sustain success. The 2025 season ended with a 9‑4 record, yet the team missed the College Football Playoff, leaving fans and analysts demanding a clearer path forward.
Adding to the pressure, the 2026 schedule features a gauntlet of Big Ten opponents, including Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana. Each game is now viewed as a potential turning point, and a single stumble could derail the entire season. Riley’s roster does contain standout talent, most notably quarterback Caleb Williams, whose performance will be closely watched as the team seeks consistency in high‑stakes matchups.
The stakes extend beyond win‑loss records. Riley was hired to restore a program capable of competing for championships, not merely to produce winning seasons. As the new campaign approaches, the expectation is clear: transform flashes of brilliance into a sustained championship identity that honors USC’s storied legacy.