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Ivory CoastLincoln Riley Faces Ultimate Test as USC Hosts Oregon
With a perfect 4-0 record, head coach Lincoln Riley faces intense pressure as the USC Trojans prepare to host Oregon.
High Expectations in Los Angeles
Lincoln Riley is entering his fifth year as the head coach at USC, and the pressure is higher than ever. Despite a perfect 4-0 start to the season, Riley has yet to lead the Trojans to a College Football Playoff appearance. His overall record of 35-18 entering this season matches what his predecessor, Clay Helton, achieved in his first 53 games.
Riley is not hiding from the intense spotlight. He says he is a much better head coach now than he was during his successful run at Oklahoma. He knows that the expectations in Los Angeles are massive, but he welcomes the challenge.
"I'm not asking for anybody's sympathy," Riley said, reflecting on the heavy scrutiny he faces. He believes his experience at major programs is exactly what USC needs to build a lasting winner.
Correcting Past Mistakes
The road to this point has not been smooth. After a strong 11-3 season in 2022 with Caleb Williams at quarterback, the Trojans went 28-15 over the following years. Riley admits he made a major error after that first season by relying too heavily on the transfer portal instead of focusing on high school recruiting.
That strategy has completely changed. For the 2026 season, USC added only 10 transfer players, which ranks last in the Big Ten. Instead, the program is relying on player development and a highly rated recruiting class.
The roster now features 15 returning starters, which leads the entire FBS. This includes nine starters on the offensive side, led by quarterback Jayden Maiava. Maiava is now in his third season in Riley's system and is playing with high confidence.
Freshmen Step Up for Oregon Clash
This new focus on youth is already paying off. Several freshmen have made a massive impact through the first four games of the season. Wide receiver Trent Mosley has gained 255 yards and scored four touchdowns, though he might miss the upcoming game due to injury.
In his absence, freshman Kayden Dixon-Wyatt has stepped up with 258 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Mark Bowman has also impressed, racking up 160 yards and two touchdowns while proving to be an excellent blocker.
The young Trojans will face their biggest test yet on Saturday. No. 20 Oregon is coming to the Coliseum for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on NBC. With the pressure mounting, Riley and his team need a signature win to prove they are ready for the biggest stage.
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