When Lincoln Riley took the helm at USC on November 28, 2021, it felt like a grand slam for the Trojans. The move was seen as pivotal for a program stacked with the resources to dominate the Pac-12 conference. Fast forward to 2024, and with the landscape of college football shifting, USC and Riley found themselves navigating the rugged waters of the Big Ten Conference. This transition has been less than smooth, highlighting a vulnerability in the Trojans’ game plan that hinges on skill players without the necessary emphasis on stout offensive and defensive lines. As a result, the Trojans are facing a challenging season with a 3-3 record.
Riley’s standing seemed secure at the start of the year, buoyed by a commanding triumph over LSU. However, any sense of comfort quickly evaporated with three consecutive conference losses against Big Ten powerhouses: a narrow 27-24 defeat to Michigan, a 24-17 stumble against Minnesota, and a heart-wrenching overtime loss to Penn State, 33-30, despite holding a 14-point lead. Penn State’s Drew Allar had a field day, posting career highs with 391 yards passing, two touchdowns, alongside three interceptions, catapulting Penn State to an unblemished 6-0 record, 3-0 in conference play. Against a suspect USC defense, Allar seized his breakout moment.
The underwhelming performance under Riley’s leadership has sparked discussions about the future of USC’s coaching strategy. For a prestigious program nestled in the glitzy backdrop of South Central Los Angeles, the ambition was to reignite the flame of dominance and contention for national glory under Riley. Yet, the anticipated resurgence has yet to materialize, prompting speculation about potential successors who could guide the Trojans back to their storied past.
Names like Urban Meyer naturally arise in these discussions, given his proven track record of capturing national titles at multiple schools, a feat matched only by legends like Nick Saban. Another name that could surface is Ohio’s own Bob Stoops, who could inspire the Trojans to reclaim the heights they reached during Pete Carroll’s reign from 2001 to 2009, a period that brought USC two national championships. The winds of change seem to be gathering strength in Los Angeles, as the Trojans look to chart a course back to the summit of college football.
