Lincoln Riley faces pressure after USC struggles against Rutgers ahead of Oregon
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 11:22 PM
Last updated Sep 19, 2026

USC football, under Lincoln Riley, is experiencing mounting criticism after a disappointing performance against Rutgers. A prior belief that USC had an advantage over Oregon has been shaken following the recent game. Concerns include ineffective defensive strategies and lack of depth on the roster. Riley's leadership is under scrutiny ahead of a crucial upcoming game against Oregon, with questions about the team's resilience and preparedness for upcoming Big Ten matchups.
- •USC struggles with defense and depth issues during recent games.
- •Riley criticized for lack of player development and tough culture.
- •Upcoming Oregon game seen as crucial for Riley's future at USC.
- •USC needs improved performance to compete in upcoming Big Ten schedule.
- 11:22 PMYahoo Sports — Lincoln Riley squanders USC advantage over Oregon, is in big trouble
"Lincoln Riley has exhausted any last ounce of confidence the USC fan base had. The Rutgers mess makes the Oregon game feel like a possible funeral
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
College Sports•Sep 20, 2026, 1:36 AMEverything Stanford HC Tavita Pritchard said following Duke's win
College Sports•Sep 20, 2026, 1:36 AMFSU football fans react to losing to Alabama
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 1:34 AMFSU Football grades: Promise, problems in shootout loss at Alabama
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 1:28 AMDabo Swinney's Tigers quiet critics for now with comeback win; Bill Belichick's Tar Heels stumble
College Sports•Sep 20, 2026, 1:26 AMInstant reactions to Alabama's comeback win vs. Florida State
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 1:23 AMEverything we learned from Texas A&M's stunning home loss to Kentucky
