Six days after a blowout loss to Wisconsin had USC fans and analysts openly discussing the end of Lincoln Riley’s tenure, the Trojans upset No. 2 Ohio State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a result that immediately shifted the conversation around the program’s head coach.
USC entered last Saturday’s game at Wisconsin in Madison as a sizable favorite but scored just seven points, the lowest total of Riley’s coaching career. The loss featured a failed 58-yard field goal attempt into the wind, two interceptions and multiple intentional grounding penalties from quarterback Jayden Maiava, a muffed kickoff return, a missed defensive timeout on a pivotal fourth-and-2, and a net rushing total of negative 17 yards.
In the aftermath, speculation grew that USC’s athletic department was preparing funds to cover Riley’s rumored $70 million buyout, and fans began compiling lists of potential replacement coaches.
Then came Saturday’s game against Ohio State, which started backup quarterback Luke Fahey but remained a heavy favorite given a top-three defense, star receiver Jeremiah Smith, and head coach Ryan Day’s experience in big games. USC dominated instead, despite the Buckeyes controlling time of possession and failing to punch in a first-and-goal from inside the 1-yard line.
Freshman Trent Mosley scored on a long touchdown screen pass on the second play of the game, tight end Mark Bowman had a standout catch and run that included hurdling a defender, and the USC defense forced a turnover that included a fumble that was not reviewed.
A Confrontation on the Field
As Ohio State’s staff and players left the field through the Coliseum tunnel, Riley attempted to walk through the same area with his family and a security guard. An Ohio State staffer blocked his path, and athletic director Ross Bjork was seen gesturing toward Riley and speaking to him. Riley responded with profanity as he was eventually allowed through. A separate camera angle showed Bjork speaking to Riley again as he left the field, though what he said was not clearly audible.
A Prepared Statement After the Win
At his postgame news conference, Riley read a prepared statement addressing his job status and the program, days after he had already told reporters at a midweek press conference that Los Angeles is where he wants to be.
“This program is built on internal joy, not external applause,” Riley said. “This win is for all the staff members, the players, the leaders, admin, all the people within the walls. I said before this game that I’m the right person for this job, and as long as all those people know that, that’s all I care about. I appreciate being part of this university, and all it does. I appreciate our kids and our staff, and I’m going to continue to fight on because that’s what being a Trojan is all about. Adios.”
The questions about Riley’s job status have followed a rough stretch for USC. The team’s two losses this season came against Oregon, which beat USC 41-27 behind backup quarterback Dylan Raiola, and Wisconsin, whose performance against USC looks worse in hindsight after Wisconsin lost 30-0 to Iowa on Saturday.
USC now stands at 6-2 following an offseason in which the program promoted the idea that its “championship window” was open. The win over Ohio State gives Riley his most significant victory yet in Los Angeles.
What Comes Next
USC’s remaining schedule includes a road game against Indiana in Bloomington next week and a season-ending matchup against now-No. 5 UCLA at the Rose Bowl. A win in both games would likely put USC in the College Football Playoff field with three wins over top-5 opponents on its resume. Two more losses, finishing the season 8-4, would likely renew scrutiny of Riley’s buyout and his job status heading into next year.
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