Lincoln Riley’s USC Tenure Under Fire as Ohio State Looms

The USC Trojans entered the 2024 season with the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class and aspirations of a College Football Playoff berth, a goal that has remained unfulfilled in Riley’s tenure. After opening with a 4-0 lead, USC fell 41-27 at home to Oregon, then rebounded with road wins over Washington and Penn State. A subsequent loss at Wisconsin left the Trojans 6-2 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play, while conference rival Ohio State, a 6.5-point favorite, prepares to visit the Coliseum. The outcome of that matchup is widely viewed as pivotal for Riley’s future at USC.

Newsweek

The speculation references Riley’s prior experience in the Big 12 at Oklahoma and his recruiting ties to Texas, where he began his coaching career at Texas Tech. TCU, currently 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the Big 12 under head coach Sonny Dykes, is not actively seeking a new coach, but the narrative positions a potential move as a relief from USC’s intense scrutiny.

Newsweek

Reports have cited a $70 million buyout clause in Riley’s contract. Analysts argue that continued losses could prompt USC administrators to consider activating that clause, though no official statement from the university has been released.

Newsweek

• “It feels like it's a foregone conclusion at USC that Lincoln Riley will not be back. You've got Ohio State coming up this weekend. Now you host Ohio State. [But] this might be the biggest game of his career,” — Dan Patrick

Newsweek

These elements illustrate the mounting pressure on Riley as the Trojans approach a decisive conference showdown, while rumors of a return to the Big 12 underscore the uncertainty surrounding his tenure at USC.

Newsweek