The USC Trojans improved this past season and showed that they belonged in the Big Ten with signature victories over Michigan and Iowa. They still have work to do, however, as they looked outmatched vs. Oregon and Illinois. With improvements this offseason, the expectations and pressure are getting higher for Lincoln Riley and USC entering 2026.
In a recent college football early predictions feature from ESPN, reporter Heather Dinich argued that USC will be the non-CFP team from 2025 that makes the field in 2026. Here is what she had to say about believing in USC this season:
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“Texas is my preseason No. 1, but I’ll add USC to this conversation,” Dinich wrote. “The pressure is on coach Lincoln Riley, who hasn’t reached 10 wins since his first season, and the pieces are in place to get there. With quarterback Jayden Maiava returning, along with all five starting offensive linemen and running back King Miller, the offense has the potential to be potent. Riley lured in the No. 1 recruiting class and also has help coming from the transfer portal. If he can upgrade the defense, which allowed 23 points per game last year, USC should be a playoff team. The Trojans should be 3-0 heading into their Sept. 26 home game against Oregon, and a win against the Ducks would change the narrative and position USC for a playoff run.”
Pressure either bursts pipes or makes diamonds. Lincoln Riley cannot afford another lost season this year. With new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson and the top recruiting class in the country, Riley and the Trojans should have more than enough to handle their tough schedule and make the College Football Playoff this year. It is time for things to finally come into fruition for USC.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Expectations are rising for Lincoln Riley and USC entering 2026 season
