Lincoln Riley faces mounting pressure after USC’s disappointing results

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Lincoln Riley faces mounting pressure after USC’s disappointing results

Southern California head coach Lincoln Riley during an NCAA college football game against the Arizona, Oct. 7, 2023 in Los Angeles. — Source: Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock.com

Pete Altomaro

Wed, October 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM UTC ·

9 min read

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USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley faces renewed scrutiny after his team lost 24-7 to Wisconsin on October 24, 2026. The defeat exposed significant problems with USC's offense and special teams, as the Trojans finished with minus-17 rushing yards. USC entered the game ranked No. 16 nationally and left with a 6-2 overall record and a 3-2 mark in Big Ten play. The result has added to questions about the team's progress under Riley as the Trojans prepare for their remaining games.

USC struggled to establish a consistent offense against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions, and the Trojans failed to score after halftime. Wisconsin finished with 142 rushing yards, while USC recorded 241 total yards of offense. The defeat ended USC's hopes of improving to 7-1 and increased the importance of its remaining conference games.

USC's loss to Wisconsin increases pressure on Lincoln Riley

USC's defeat in Madison added to concerns about the team's consistency during Riley's fifth season. Wisconsin scored in every quarter and limited the Trojans to seven points, with USC's only touchdown coming in the second quarter. The Badgers finished with 200 total yards, compared with 241 for USC, but made better use of their scoring opportunities.

The loss followed USC's 41-27 defeat against Oregon on September 26. In that game, the Trojans allowed Oregon to score 28 second-half points and struggled to stop the Ducks during the closing stages. Those results have provided grounds for criticism of USC's performances against strong opponents, although the team's progress must be assessed across the remainder of the season.

Wisconsin exposes USC's offensive struggles

USC managed only one touchdown against Wisconsin and recorded minus-17 net rushing yards. Maiava completed 31 of 50 passes for 258 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. The quarterback was also sacked five times, contributing to USC's difficulties sustaining drives and moving the ball effectively.

The Trojans also failed to convert either of their two field-goal attempts. These missed opportunities limited their ability to reduce Wisconsin's lead, while penalties and negative plays made the comeback more difficult. USC finished with seven points, and Wisconsin scored 14 unanswered points in the second half to secure the victory.

Wisconsin relied on its running game to help control the contest. The Badgers recorded 142 rushing yards on 43 attempts, while quarterback Colton Joseph completed 12 of 14 passes for 58 yards and one touchdown. USC's inability to generate positive rushing yardage contrasted with Wisconsin's more productive ground attack and contributed to the final result.

Lincoln Riley takes responsibility for the defeat

Following the loss, Riley acknowledged that USC had not performed well enough. In comments reported by Sports Illustrated, he said, "Really disappointing game. Just flat-out didn't play good enough on all three sides of the football." He added that USC had not coached well enough and accepted responsibility for the performance.

Riley also addressed USC's attempted 58-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. He said he had intended to call a timeout before the attempt and acknowledged afterward that he wished he had done so. The kick fell short while USC was trying to reduce Wisconsin's 10-point lead.

USC's immediate task is to prepare for Ohio State. Reducing turnovers, protecting Maiava, and creating a functional rushing attack will be important after the Trojans threw two interceptions, surrendered five sacks, and finished with minus-17 rushing yards against Wisconsin.

Microphones on a table — Source: katatonia82/Depositphotos

USC's struggles against ranked opponents raise concerns

USC's 41-27 loss to then-No. 20 Oregon in September and its 24-7 defeat against unranked Wisconsin have drawn attention to different weaknesses. Oregon scored 28 second-half points, while Wisconsin limited USC to one touchdown and held the Trojans scoreless after halftime.

The two defeats presented different challenges. Oregon generated 504 total yards against USC, exposing defensive problems, while Wisconsin held the Trojans to 241 total yards and minus-17 rushing yards. Together, the performances underline USC's need for greater consistency on both sides of the ball.

USC entered the season with expectations of competing for a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth. Riley's fifth season stands at 6-2 with four regular-season games remaining. Those games will provide additional evidence of the team's progress under his leadership.

Defensive problems remain a major challenge for USC

USC's defense faced a difficult test against Oregon, which recorded 504 total yards and scored 41 points. The Ducks produced 270 yards of offense in the second half, according to the Associated Press game report. The performance focused on USC's ability to make defensive adjustments and prevent opponents from sustaining scoring drives.

Wisconsin presented a different challenge by combining a productive rushing attack with efficient passing. The Badgers finished with 142 rushing yards and 58 passing yards, while USC recorded minus-17 rushing yards. The result showed that Wisconsin could win without producing a high passing total, placing additional pressure on USC's offense to respond.

USC will need more consistent performances from its defense and offense to improve its results. Limiting opponents' scoring opportunities, tackling effectively and avoiding costly penalties will be important areas of focus. The coaching staff will also need to help the team improve its execution in high-pressure situations.

USC faces a difficult stretch in its remaining schedule

USC's next game is against Ohio State on October 31, 2026. The Buckeyes are another major test for Riley and his players, particularly after the defeat in Wisconsin. USC will have an opportunity to respond in front of its home crowd and demonstrate whether it can correct the problems that contributed to the loss.

The remaining schedule also includes a November 14 game against Indiana, followed by Maryland on November 21 and UCLA on November 28. Those games will influence USC's final record and provide further opportunities for the Trojans to demonstrate improvement. The team will need to execute more consistently if it hopes to finish the regular season strongly.

For Riley, the upcoming games provide an opportunity to address criticism through results on the field. USC's performance against Ohio State will be the first test after the Wisconsin defeat. How the team responds over the remaining weeks will help determine the overall assessment of Riley's fifth season.

Questions grow about Riley's long-term future

USC's loss to Wisconsin has intensified public discussion about Riley's future. Recent reports have examined the pressure surrounding the fifth-year coach, but USC has not announced his dismissal or confirmed that it intends to part ways with him.

USC hired Riley in November 2021 following his successful tenure at Oklahoma. His arrival brought expectations that he could return the Trojans to national prominence, making the program's performances in major games an important part of the assessment of his tenure.

Riley addressed the speculation on October 27, saying he wants to remain at USC and believes he is the right person to lead the program. As of October 28, USC continues to list him as its head football coach, and no official decision ending his tenure has been announced.

The Big Ten presents a demanding test for the Trojans

USC's move to the Big Ten has placed the program in a conference that includes several established college football programs. The Trojans' schedule includes road games that require them to perform in unfamiliar stadiums and against different opponents. Their results against Oregon and Wisconsin have highlighted the challenges of competing consistently throughout the conference schedule.

The Wisconsin game was particularly difficult for USC because the Trojans struggled to establish their running game and conceded points in all four quarters. Wisconsin recorded 142 rushing yards and held USC to minus-17 rushing yards. Those statistics show the importance of improving the ground game and reducing negative plays when facing physical opponents.

USC still has opportunities to improve its record during the remaining weeks of the season. Better offensive production, fewer turnovers and more consistent defensive play would help the team compete more effectively. The results against Ohio State, Indiana, Maryland and UCLA will provide further evidence of whether the Trojans can make meaningful progress.

USC stadium. — Source: C5Media/Depositphotos

Riley must find answers before the season slips away

USC's 6-2 record means the team remains in a position to finish the season with a strong overall record. However, the defeat against Wisconsin exposed weaknesses that need attention before the next game. The Trojans will need to improve their offensive production, protect the quarterback and avoid turnovers if they want to respond successfully.

For Riley, the challenge extends beyond preparing for one opponent. The coaching staff must identify why USC struggled to score and why the team posted negative rushing yardage. Correcting those problems will be essential as the Trojans face another difficult stretch of their schedule.

The pressure surrounding USC is likely to remain a subject of discussion following the loss. The team's results over the remaining weeks will influence how Riley's fifth season is viewed, but they do not determine in advance what the university will decide about his future. For now, USC's priority is to improve its performance and respond to the defeat in Wisconsin.

Fun fact: The University of Southern California (USC) opened on October 6, 1880 , with just 53 students and 10 teachers.

TL;DR

Lincoln Riley faces renewed scrutiny after USC lost 24-7 to Wisconsin on October 24, 2026.
USC entered the game ranked No. 16 and fell to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions, and USC finished with minus-17 rushing yards.
Wisconsin recorded 142 rushing yards and held USC to seven points.
Riley acknowledged that his team and coaching staff had not performed well enough.
USC's upcoming games against Ohio State, Indiana, Maryland and UCLA will provide opportunities to respond to the defeat.
Public criticism has increased, but USC's decision about Riley's long-term future should not be treated as settled.

This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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