Paul Finebaum Gives Reason Why Lincoln Riley is Under the Most Pressure in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 3:52 PM ET

The pressure is on for USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley in 2025, with the College Football Playoff once again the goal. Heading into his fourth season in Southern California, he has been close but has underachieved despite having enough resources around him. That has brought some scrutiny his way, and this season feels significant.

However, many believe that other head coaches face even greater pressure. That is everybody except analyst Paul Finebaum, who thinks he is under the most pressure heading into 2025.

Nicknamed 'Mouth from the South,' the SEC Network analyst is not afraid to voice his opinion, even if it goes against the grain.

Speaking on the morning show 'Get Up,' Finebaum put Riley's name forward when asked the question and shared his opinion on why he is facing the heat this season.

“Lincoln Riley,” Finebaum said. “And you asked the question, why? Because he has simply underperformed. He had a pretty decent first year, but since then, it has been very rocky. And quite frankly, I think he would already be gone if it wasn’t for about an $80 million buyout. Even for Southern Cal, that might be too much money.”

The 2022 and 2024 seasons were close to making the College Football Playoff, with his first season as coach a Pac-12 Championship Game loss away from making it.

Some analysts believe they will be close again in 2025. Joel Klatt recently said on his show that he thinks the Trojans have a good chance of making it this season. If everything falls into place, they will surely be in the running.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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