Sports · October 28, 2026
Riley says USC 'right place for me' and 'I'm the right person to be here'
USC head coach Lincoln Riley addressed ongoing speculation about his future with the program on Tuesday, asserting that he remains committed to the school and is the correct leader for the team. His comments come as the Trojans hold a 6-2 record (3-2 in the Big Ten) following a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin that saw them drop out of the Associated Press rankings. Riley emphasized that if he did not want to be at USC, he would not have come initially or would have taken other opportunities to leave.
Read the original coverage
- ESPNSports network
Riley says USC 'right place for me' and 'I'm the right person to be here'
Read at ESPN ↗ - NewsweekMainstream
Lincoln Riley Sends Clear Message on Future at USC Ahead of Ohio State Clash
Read at Newsweek ↗ - Yahoo SportsSports network
USC’s embattled Lincoln Riley has resolute response to mounting criticism
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗ - New York PostTabloid
USC’s embattled Lincoln Riley has resolute response to mounting criticism
Read at New York Post ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Lincoln Riley stated on Tuesday that USC is the right place for him and he is the right person to be there.
- USC currently has a 6-2 record.
- Riley is in his fifth season as head coach at USC.
- Riley has not yet reached the College Football Playoff with USC.
- USC recently lost to Wisconsin with a score of 24-7.
Reported by only some outlets
- The New York Post and Yahoo Sports report that USC is 3-2 in Big Ten play.
- The New York Post and Yahoo Sports describe the 24-7 loss to Wisconsin as the worst offensive performance in Riley’s decade as a head coach.
- The New York Post notes that current athletic director Jen Cohen did not hire Riley.
- Newsweek reports that USC faces Ohio State this coming Saturday.
Confirmed
- Lincoln Riley stated USC is the "right place" for him.
- USC dropped out of the AP rankings following a loss to Wisconsin.
- Riley is in his fifth year at USC without a CFP appearance.
- The Trojans' record stands at 6-2.
Reported
- The loss to Wisconsin was the worst offensive performance in Riley’s 10-year head coaching career. (New York Post)
- Riley has had multiple opportunities to leave USC for other positions. (Lincoln Riley via New York Post)
Rumor
- USC could potentially move on from Riley or Riley could look to move on from USC. (Newsweek)
- Riley may desire to go somewhere that offers an easier path to the College Football Playoff. (New York Post)
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