USC struggles against Oregon, raising questions about Lincoln Riley's future
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 27, 2026, 5:30 AM
Last updated Sep 27, 2026
USC suffered a 41-27 loss to Oregon on September 26, 2026, with key issues in defense and missed opportunities. The Trojans had a chance to prove themselves at home, especially after Oregon lost its starting quarterback Dante Moore to an injury. However, the USC defense allowed 366 passing yards and failed to stop high-pressure plays. This defeat extends USC's record under head coach Lincoln Riley to 5-15 against top-25 teams. Upcoming games against Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana present further challenges as doubts grow regarding the program's trajectory.
- •USC drops to 4-1 this season after the loss to Oregon.
- •Dante Moore left the game due to injury in the second quarter.
- •USC allowed 28 points in the second half, demonstrating defensive weaknesses.
- •The Trojans are now 2-6 against ranked Big Ten teams in the last two seasons.
- •USC's next games include tough opponents like Penn State and Ohio State.
- 5:30 AMYahoo Sports — Misery Index: Lincoln Riley, USC come up short yet again — and it's fair to ask how much more Trojans fans can bear
- 4:45 AMCBS Sports — Lincoln Riley's latest failure against depleted Oregon raises the question: If not now at USC ... when?
"USC's defense was the root of its demise yet again — not even a dirty hit on Oregon QB Dante Moore could save the Trojans from another disappointing loss. And to think, this was supposed to be the year Lincoln Riley and Co. finally delivered.
"A porous defense and missed opportunities against Oregon dropped the Trojans to 5-15 against top-25 opponents under Riley, raising serious doubts about the program's direction
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 27, 2026, 5:30 AMMisery Index: Lincoln Riley, USC come up short yet again — and it's fair to ask how much more Trojans fans can bear
USC's defense was the root of its demise yet again — not even a dirty hit on Oregon QB Dante Moore could save the Trojans from another disappointing loss. And to think, this was supposed to be the year Lincoln Riley and Co. finally delivered.
- CBS SportsSep 27, 2026, 4:45 AMLincoln Riley's latest failure against depleted Oregon raises the question: If not now at USC ... when?
A porous defense and missed opportunities against Oregon dropped the Trojans to 5-15 against top-25 opponents under Riley, raising serious doubts about the program's direction
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