Lincoln Riley conveys a distinct message regarding his status at USC following the 2025 season, originally featured on The Sporting News. Designate The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley finally confronted the major issue: his future in California.
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Riley’s intense competitive nature is widely known: he aims for victory. His squad was potentially on the verge of a College Football Playoff entry had the Trojans not stumbled against the Oregon Ducks last Saturday.
Currently, a prestigious bowl game lies ahead for the Trojans. They conclude the regular season against the UCLA Bruins, but prior to these final weeks, Riley clarified his position during his media session on Tuesday.
“Absolutely, 100%. As I mentioned earlier, I’m precisely where I need to be,” Riley stated to reporters. “So yes, that’s it, nothing different than what we’re constructing, genuinely, and I cherish being here. That’s really all there is to it.”
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum remarked that it would be a misstep for Riley to remain with the Trojans, implying he has reached his peak potential.
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“I’ve been quite tough on him,» Finebaum expressed on «The Matt Barrie Show.» «Ultimately, that really affects him, as he’s not making the playoff again.”
Even without a playoff spot this year, according to Finebaum, there is merit for Riley as a noteworthy hire.
“SC fans aren’t particularly thrilled about, ‘Hey, we had a 9-3 record. We’re going to a decent bowl game.’ ‘Oh, really, where’s that? And how many tickets would be consumed?’ Therefore, I’ve argued for a couple of weeks, I believe Lincoln Riley should depart Southern Cal and see if he can secure one of these significant coaching roles,» Finebaum stated.
Whether Riley will uphold his statement is yet to be determined. Nonetheless, the outcomes will reveal much, and in a few weeks, clarity will come.
At this moment, concluding the season is vital.
