USC's Lincoln Riley faces pressure for College Football Playoff performance
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 1:58 AM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen stated that the Trojans are expected to compete for the College Football Playoff this season under head coach Lincoln Riley. Despite a lucrative 10-year contract worth $110 million and a successful tenure at Oklahoma, Riley has not led USC to the playoffs since joining the team. Cohen emphasized the high standards at USC, referencing the demanding schedule the Trojans will face in the Big Ten, including home games against Oregon and Ohio State and road games against Penn State and Indiana. As the season progresses, Riley's ability to meet these expectations will be critical for his future with the program.
- •USC expects to make the College Football Playoff this season.
- •Riley has a 35-18 record since joining USC.
- •USC's schedule includes challenging opponents like Oregon and Ohio State.
- •Cohen emphasizes high standards and championship aspirations for the Trojans.
- 1:58 AMYahoo Sports — USC’s Lincoln Riley Faces Pressure After AD’s CFP Comments
"The USC Trojans are making it clear to Lincoln Riley that the team needs to compete for the College Football Playoff this season.
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 SportsNCAAF•Jun 3, 2026, 3:04 AMKickoff time, broadcast information announced for UNM's game against North Dakota State- NCAAF•Jun 3, 2026, 3:00 AMRebuilt Pac-12 Could Have Seat At Playoff Table With Boise State
- NCAAF•Jun 3, 2026, 3:00 AMBig 12 QB rankings: How Brendan Sorsby quagmire changes things for Devon Dampier, Bear Bachmeier
- NCAAF•Jun 3, 2026, 2:31 AMNotre Dame football has another EA cover subject in CB Leonard Moore
- NCAAF•Jun 3, 2026, 2:18 AMNotre Dame’s Manti Te’o and Luther Bradley are on the CFB Hall of Fame ballot
- NCAAF•Jun 2, 2026, 11:16 PMMatt LaFleur impressed with early looks at Packers rookie CB Brandon Cisse