Lincoln Riley defends his position at USC amid playoff uncertainity
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 28, 2026, 2:33 AM
Last updated Oct 28, 2026
USC head coach Lincoln Riley expressed his desire to remain with the Trojans amid speculation about his future, particularly following a recent 24-7 loss to Wisconsin. The defeat, marking the lowest scoring game in Riley's tenure, has raised concerns about the team's chances of making the College Football Playoff, with their current record at 6-2. Riley emphasized his commitment to the program, stating he believes he is the right person for the job. Despite changes in the athletic department and a report characterizing the relationship as an 'unhappy marriage,' Riley maintains a strong rapport with the new athletic director, Jennifer Cohen. USC's players have also voiced support for their coach as they prepare for an upcoming game against No. 2 Ohio State.
- •USC lost to Wisconsin 24-7, their lowest score under Riley.
- •The team currently holds a 6-2 record, complicating playoff hopes.
- •Riley insists he wants to remain at USC despite speculation.
- •Riley has a supportive relationship with new athletic director Cohen.
- •Upcoming game against No. 2 Ohio State is crucial for USC's season.
- 3:15 AMESPN — Riley says USC 'right place for me' and 'I'm the right person to be here'
- 1:31 AMYahoo Sports — Lincoln Riley defends him staying at USC: 'I'm the right person to be here'
"Amid questions surrounding his future with the program, USC coach Lincoln Riley said Tuesday, "This is where I want to be. This is the right place for me. I'm the right person to be here."
"As questions continue if USC and Lincoln Riley are headed toward a breakup, the Trojans coach defended his stance of wanting to stay in Los Angeles.
Sources
External links- ESPNOct 28, 2026, 3:15 AMRiley says USC 'right place for me' and 'I'm the right person to be here'
Amid questions surrounding his future with the program, USC coach Lincoln Riley said Tuesday, "This is where I want to be. This is the right place for me. I'm the right person to be here."
- Yahoo SportsOct 28, 2026, 1:31 AMLincoln Riley defends him staying at USC: 'I'm the right person to be here'
As questions continue if USC and Lincoln Riley are headed toward a breakup, the Trojans coach defended his stance of wanting to stay in Los Angeles.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAF•Oct 28, 2026, 2:20 AMLincoln Riley has reached the end of his USC leash. Now comes the reckoning
NCAAF•Oct 28, 2026, 1:36 AMBrian Kelly Clears Stance on Firing Spree & Calls 3 HC Role Openings "Very Attractive"
NCAAF•Oct 28, 2026, 1:30 AMPaul Finebaum opens up about receiving death threats: ‘That did concern me’
NCAAF•Oct 28, 2026, 1:28 AMBob Chesney is building something in UCLA... and he isn't going anywhere
NCAAF•Oct 28, 2026, 1:11 AMBaylor Emerging as ‘Wildcard’ for Ex-Big 12 Rival Coach But There’s a Catch
NCAAF•Oct 28, 2026, 12:45 AMWhere does Utah rank in some of Morgan Scalley’s key stats for success?