Lincoln Riley, Luke Fickell face pivotal seasons with USC and Wisconsin
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 7:00 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Lincoln Riley of USC and Luke Fickell of Wisconsin enter crucial seasons as the college football shifts. With the 2026 season approaching, Riley's Trojans are expected to contend for a College Football Playoff spot, raising the stakes after last season's 9-4 finish. Meanwhile, Fickell's Badgers are struggling to regain their traditional identity, which has affected their competitiveness. As the season begins in September, both teams aim to establish themselves amid growing pressure and expectations.
- •Lincoln Riley faces pressure for a playoff berth with USC.
- •USC finished 9-4 last season, leading to heightened expectations.
- •Luke Fickell needs to re-establish Wisconsin's traditional football identity.
- •The college football season begins in September 2026.
- •Both coaches are at critical points in their careers.
- 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — Lincoln Riley, Luke Fickell get bullish outlooks before huge seasons for USC, Wisconsin
"With over two months until the college football season gets underway, there are two Big Ten teams at a crossroads for oddly different reasons. One is USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley.
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