Lincoln Riley continues to fall short when it matters most

Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

USC HC Lincoln Riley continues to fall short when it matters most

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 27, 2026 12:02 AM ET

Year 5 was supposed to be different for the USC Trojans and Lincoln Riley.

It was supposed to be the year that Riley finally had a surplus of talent all over the field that would be able to get over the hump in big games and emerge as a true College Football Playoff contender.

The first step in that process came Saturday night at home against the Oregon Ducks, and like many times before, the Trojans were outclassed on their home field and showcased their inability to win the big games as prevalent as ever.

Lincoln Riley may be the worst big-game coach in college football

With the 41-27 loss to No. 20 Oregon, Riley is now 5-15 against Top 25 opponents during his tenure at USC. It was yet another lackluster performance for Riley's USC team in a spot where it had a chance to prove to the world that this wasn't the same team as usual.

Even more disheartening for Trojans fans, the loss came at the hands of Oregon's backup quarterback, Dylan Raiola. Raiola replaced starter Dante Moore after he was unfortunately injured on a cheap shot from a USC defender.

For 5. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/U9Lwu0u5zL
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) September 27, 2026

Lincoln Riley is now 5-15 overall against top 25 at USC after this loss to Oregon.

He swings and misses in another big spot.

No sport like college football, where you can fail at your job and get a generationally-wealthy check as a reward.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) September 27, 2026

Where does USC go from here?

USC isn't yet out of the hunt for a Big 10 Championship or an appearance in the College Football Playoff, but it is certainly behind the 8-ball.

The Trojans still have at least three games this season against ranked opponents (at Penn State, Ohio State and at Indiana), all games that USC will likely be underdogs in.

Riley and his team will need to win at least two of those games, if not all three, to have a chance to compete in the conference championship game. A loss in two or more of those games, though, and conversations surrounding his future as the USC head coach will get as uncomfortable as they ever have.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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