Lincoln Riley under pressure as new season starts for USC football
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 3:54 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Lincoln Riley faces increased scrutiny as USC begins its 2026 season amid heightened expectations. With UCLA's Bob Chesney stepping into a rebuilding role, Riley is seen as having more to prove in the rivalry. Experts predict that if USC fails to reach the playoffs this year, Riley's position could be precarious moving forward. Meanwhile, Chesney is expected to get a longer grace period as he develops the Bruins program.
- •Lincoln Riley is under pressure heading into the 2026 season.
- •Bob Chesney is new at UCLA, with less immediate pressure.
- •Experts believe UCLA could compete strongly against USC soon.
- •Failing to make the playoffs could jeopardize Riley's future.
- •Chesney's evaluation period extends beyond his first two seasons.
- 3:54 PMYahoo Sports — Trojans Wire discusses Lincoln Riley and Bob Chesney with UCLA Wire
"Usually, first-year coaches have the most to prove, but in Los Angeles college football, Lincoln Riley is the man under the gun, not Bob Chesney
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
NCAAF•Aug 20, 2026, 5:18 PMThe playbook for college sports revenue is expanding from logos and fees to entertainment districts
NCAAF•Aug 20, 2026, 4:54 PMHead Coaches Selected for the 2027 Navy All-American Bowl
NCAAF•Aug 20, 2026, 4:43 PMBiggest X-Factor for every Big Ten football team in 2026
NCAAF•Aug 20, 2026, 4:30 PM‘Hard Knocks’ shows John Schneider admitting Seahawks would have cut Terrion Arnold in Lions’ position
NCAAF•Aug 20, 2026, 4:27 PMDucks edge coach Kamran Araghi recognized on 247Sports 30under30 list
NCAAF•Aug 20, 2026, 4:17 PMMissouri football unveils 100th anniversary uniforms