Sports · American Football · 8 hrs ago
USC's 24-7 loss to Wisconsin raises questions about Lincoln Riley
USC lost 24-7 at Wisconsin, taking its record to 6-2 and renewing questions about coach Lincoln Riley.
The Trojans’ offense struggled, and sports commentator Colin Cowherd said Riley’s teams have not performed well enough on the road.
Riley is in his fifth season at USC, where he has a 40-20 overall record, according to one account; another gives his record as 41-20.
The school’s expectations are high because USC aims to compete for national titles, but the team has already lost twice this season.
Riley’s buyout may be as much as $70 million, though his contract is private and the amount is an estimate.
The loss also hurt USC’s chances of reaching the College Football Playoff, with Ohio State, Indiana and UCLA among the difficult games still ahead.
Those upcoming games could intensify pressure on Riley if USC continues to struggle.
USC lost 24-7 on the road to Wisconsin on Oct. 24, prompting renewed questions about coach Lincoln Riley’s future.
The loss left the Trojans 6-2 and came with a poor offensive showing, including two turnovers and negative rushing yards.
CBS Sports argued USC should consider paying Riley’s buyout, which it said could be as much as $70 million.
Fox Sports commentator Colin Cowherd said Riley’s main problem is that USC does not perform well on the road.
Sources give different career records for Riley: Fox Sports says 40-20, while CBS Sports says 41-20.
- Who
- USC and head coach Lincoln Riley.
- What
- USC lost 24-7 to Wisconsin, prompting criticism of Riley and discussion of his job security.
- When
- Oct. 24, 2026.
- Where
- At Wisconsin in Madison.
- Why
- USC’s offensive struggles and the loss renewed questions about Riley’s performance and the team’s prospects.
Lincoln Riley
CBS Sports
Program outlook
Lincoln Riley
Riley said USC’s expectations were unchanged and that the team had real momentum.
CBS Sports
CBS Sports argued that USC should consider paying Riley’s buyout after the loss.
Riley said USC’s expectations had not changed and described momentum in the program.
USC lost 24-7 at Wisconsin.
Colin Cowherd said USC’s road performance was Riley’s primary issue as head coach.
- Score
- Wisconsin 24, USC 7
- USC record
- 6-2 after the loss
- USC rushing yards
- Minus-17 on 25 carries, according to CBS Sports
- Riley buyout estimate
- As much as $70 million, according to CBS Sports
- Riley career record
- Fox Sports says 40-20; CBS Sports says 41-20
4 sources
Lincoln Riley shuts down USC exit speculation as pressure builds: 'I believe in this place'
Riley says USC 'right place for me' and 'I'm the right person to be here'
Colin Cowherd Sounds Off On Lincoln Riley’s Main Issue As USC's Head Coach
What people are saying
His primary issue. It's not complicated. Soft doesn't travel at home. They've been pretty damn good, but on the road, soft doesn't travel. And Wisconsin was another example.
The expectations haven't changed, but I think our opportunity to seize that and (win) to me is more real right now than it's probably been in the first few years