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USC suffers first loss; questions arise about Lincoln Riley's future

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 5:19 PM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

USC suffers first loss; questions arise about Lincoln Riley's future

Summary

USC fell to Oregon in their first loss of the season during a game on Saturday. The defeat raised concerns about the program's culture, particularly after an incident where Desman Stephens celebrated a controversial hit on Oregon's quarterback. Criticism of head coach Lincoln Riley has intensified, with some calling for his dismissal. Athletic director Jen Cohen may consider options for a new head coach, including Kalen DeBoer. With a challenging schedule ahead, USC's opportunities for playoff contention appear slim.

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By the Numbers

•USC lost to Oregon on Saturday, marking their first defeat of the season.
•An incident involving Desman Stephens has raised concerns about team culture.
•Critics include Colin Cowherd and Paul Finebaum, who both question Riley's leadership.
•Jen Cohen may pursue Kalen DeBoer if Riley is dismissed.
•USC faces further pressure with a challenging schedule ahead.

Latest Updates

5:19 PMYahoo Sports — USC rumors: Insider wonders if Trojans would pursue DeBoer to replace Riley

What they're saying

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USC fell to Oregon on Saturday, dropping their first game of the season. The Trojans not only lost, but an incident involving Desman Stephens celebrating his dirty hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has led to questions. Colin Cowherd has criticized the culture of the program under Lincoln Riley. Meanwhile, Paul Finebaum called for USC to fire […] The post USC rumors: Insider wonders if Trojans would pursue DeBoer to replace Riley appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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