Lincoln Riley Says USC Was Snaps From Playoff With No. 1 Recruiting Class
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 25
Lincoln Riley Says USC Was Snaps From Playoff With No. 1 Recruiting Class
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 25
Lincoln Riley said USC was "literally snaps away" from the playoff last season and argued the program is now ready to break through in 2026.
The coach tied that confidence to roster gains, athletic-department alignment under general manager Chad Bowden and an NIL-backed No. 1 recruiting class, while saying he is a better coach than he was at Oklahoma.
USC's recent misses still frame the pressure: the Trojans let a late lead slip against Illinois, had key chances against Notre Dame and were outplayed by Oregon in 2025.
A brutal 2026 schedule — road games at Indiana and Penn State, plus home dates with Ohio State, Oregon and Washington — leaves Riley needing about 10 wins and a playoff berth to quiet growing scrutiny.
After four straight losses to Oregon, can a 'better' Lincoln Riley finally lead USC past its biggest conference rival?
Can USC's top-ranked recruiting class overcome Lincoln Riley's history of big-game collapses?