Lincoln Riley is trying to shut down all the rumors swirling around him about a potential USC exit following the 2025 season.
The speculation about a departure emerged earlier this week when ESPN college football analyst Josh Pate suggested that Riley could be on the hot seat or leave the school, cryptically saying “Let’s just keep an eye on Lincoln Riley at USC.”
On Friday night, Riley tried to make clear that he wants to be in Southern California.
“You guys know what I sacrificed to come here. I’m where I need to be,” he said during a press conference on Friday night following the Trojans’ 38-17 win over Northwestern.
Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesAfter another win Friday, Riley had led No. 20 USC to 7-2 record.
The offense was cooking with quarterback Jayden Maiava throwing 299 yards with one touchdown through the air and another on the ground. Receiver Makai Lemon also shined with 161 yards for two touchdowns.
The defense also held Northwestern 17 total points and allowed just a field goal in the second half, a big improvement after allowing both Illinois and Notre Dame to get 34 on the board in each of their two losses.
Riley is on pace for his best season at USC since going 11-3 in 2022.
The next two games give the Trojans more tests in the form of Iowa (6-2) on Nov. 15 and Oregon (7-1) on Nov. 22.
Prior to coming to USC, Riley was at the helm of Oklahoma for five seasons (2017-2021). He racked up a 55-10 record with the Sooners while winning four Big 12 titles and making three College Football Playoff appearances.
