Lincoln Riley Has USC Back On The National Radar Just In Time

After a 9-win season in 2025, USC is poised for a playoff push in 2026 under Riley's leadership.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Lincoln Riley's tenure at USC has been defined by two distinct eras - the Caleb Williams-led seasons and the current phase focused on building a sustainable program. After a 9-win campaign in 2025, the Trojans are positioned to make a playoff push in 2026 thanks to Riley's roster overhaul, coaching staff changes, and a top-ranked recruiting class.

Why it matters

USC's return to national prominence under Riley is crucial for the storied program, which has struggled to recapture its glory days in recent years. A playoff appearance would validate Riley's methodical approach and signal that the Trojans are back as a College Football Playoff contender.

The details

Riley has made significant changes to his coaching staff, bringing in experienced assistants like Gary Patterson and Mike Ekeler to improve player development. The Trojans also hired a general manager, Chad Bowden, who has transformed their recruiting efforts and helped retain top talent on the roster. After a 9-win season in 2025 that included several close losses, USC is poised to take the next step in 2026 with a challenging schedule that will test their progress.

  • In the 2025 regular season, USC finished with a 9-win record.
  • The Trojans lost to TCU in the 2025 Alamo Bowl.
  • Lincoln Riley is entering his fifth season as USC's head coach in 2026.

The players

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans, who is entering his fifth season leading the program in 2026.

Caleb Williams

The former USC quarterback who played under Riley for two seasons, helping establish the first era of the coach's tenure.

Jayden Maiava

The Trojans' current starting quarterback, who is heading into his third year in Riley's system.

Chad Bowden

The general manager hired by USC to oversee the program's recruiting and roster management efforts.

Gary Patterson

The veteran defensive coordinator hired by Riley to improve the Trojans' defense.

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What they’re saying

“The portal has made all of us in college football more impatient. You see success stories like TCU plays for a Natty and [Curt] Cignetti in his second year with Indiana wins a Natty but in terms of the slow build, it feels like USC has built it in a sustainable way.”

— JD Pickell, On3 Analyst (On3)

“It hasn't been exciting in terms of this quick ascension but I do think similar to other places across the country like Miami and Texas have been this way. A slow build in my mind usually means it's a a more sustainable build when it comes to roster talent, culture, way of doing things.”

— JD Pickell, On3 Analyst (On3)

What’s next

USC will face a challenging schedule in 2026 that will test their progress under Lincoln Riley, including several ranked matchups that will determine if the Trojans are ready to make a playoff push.

The takeaway

After a methodical rebuild, Lincoln Riley has USC positioned to return to national prominence in 2026. The Trojans' slow but steady approach, marked by coaching staff changes, roster management, and a top recruiting class, suggests a sustainable path forward that could culminate in the program's first College Football Playoff appearance under Riley's leadership.