Following a disappointing 7-6 season marked by a three-game losing streak, USC Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley face a crucial year as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Riley has much to prove after enduring consecutive seasons that fell short of the high expectations surrounding the Trojans, who are eager to get back on track. Ari Wasserman from On3 highlighted Riley as one of the top ten coaches nationwide with the most at stake next season.
“When Lincoln Riley surprised everyone by leaving Oklahoma unexpectedly to take the helm at USC, it seemed like a fantastic move for the Trojans. Initially, things looked promising, and although USC nearly made the College Football Playoff in his first year, Riley’s teams have steadily declined over the past two seasons,” Wasserman stated.
After a tough 2024 season that deteriorated rapidly—despite a strong start that featured a ranked victory over LSU—USC lost four of its following five games, prompting a reevaluation.
Significant changes were made in the offseason, with Riley and USC athletic director Jen Cohen bringing on Notre Dame’s Chad Bowden as the new general manager. The Trojans also restructured their 2025 recruiting class, losing quarterback recruit Julian Lewis while signing five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet. Additionally, the coaching staff saw new additions, as Riley sought to enhance the defense with skilled coaches.
One notable hire was former NFL defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, brought in as the new linebackers coach after Matt Entz left to become head coach at Fresno State.
These changes signal what could be the most critical season in Riley’s coaching career as he aims to turn things around at USC. For the upcoming season to be deemed a success, the Trojans need to reverse course from last year, particularly remaining competitive in games, especially during the second half.
Riley and the Trojans will heavily depend on quarterback Jayden Maiava. With an entire offseason of first-team reps, Maiava should be prepared to lead USC on the field. However, the key question remains: can Riley help him perform like an award-winning quarterback? The previous offensive struggles under former QB Miller Moss have raised concerns, especially given Riley’s success with Caleb Williams for two years prior.
If Riley can steer USC back toward greatness, the upcoming season presents the perfect opportunity, demonstrating the Trojans’ commitment to revamping the program
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