Pressure is building fast.

Amid growing scrutiny, Lincoln Riley's comments on USC's playoff aspirations are met with skepticism after a tumultuous offseason marked by donor fallout and coaching changes. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether he can deliver after a lackluster previous season.

Recent buzz

• Fresno State falters in football season opener at No. 14 USCkmph.com · Sep 5, 2026
• Lincoln Riley Offers Honest Perspective on USC’s Coliseum AtmosphereSports Illustrated · Sep 5, 2026
• Everything Lincoln Riley Said Following Dominating USC Win Over Fresno Statesi.com · Sep 5, 2026
• Three Biggest Winners and Losers from USC's Win Over Fresno Statesi.com · Sep 5, 2026
• Lincoln Riley discusses relationship with Fresno State’s Matt EntzTrojans Wire · Sep 4, 2026