Lincoln Riley faces a rather tough situation for USC’s final games of the season. Following their loss to Notre Dame in Week 8, the Trojans are 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten. With tensions mounting and talks about him being on the hot seat, Riley also has to see out the season with an injury-hit squad. Fresh off their bye week, he was able to provide an update on at least one of their big-name absentees.

Currently, the Trojans have running backs Waymond Jordan, Eli Sanders, and cornerback Chasen Johnson out of contention. As per the latest injury reports, center Killian O’Connor and left tackle Elijah Paige are also doubtful. Previously, Lincoln Riley had provided an update on Paige, who was involved in practice ahead of the Notre Dame game. The offensive lineman was nearing full fitness at the time.

Speaking to USCAthletics, Riley spoke about how Paige’s absence has affected the team. “It definitely hurt us, not having him (Paige). Obviously, losing a good player, but then it creates a shuffle and guys are playing different positions, or you’re having to communicate with different people,” the USC coach said. “You’re having to work through all those contingency plans if others go down; obviously, he hasn’t been the only one.”

Riley then provided a timeline of when Paige can be expected to return. “He’s playing some good ball for us. We’re eager to hopefully get him back here at some point during this stretch, where he can get back to playing a bunch of snaps for us.” 

For now, it remains to be seen whether Paige and O’Connor make the squad against the Cornhuskers. While the Trojans have practiced in case of contingencies, getting their key offensive linemen back would provide a significant boost to the squad.

Regardless, Lincoln Riley has garnered praise for his efforts in making things work, despite the circumstances.

Nebraska DC commends Lincoln Riley and USC’s game despite injuries

Lincoln Riley has come under heavy criticism since the 34-24 loss to Notre Dame. It was not simply about the loss, but rather the way USC’s run game had very little to offer. Running backs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders had been key so far this season. Jordan had rushed for 576 yards and five touchdowns on 88 carries this season, ranking third in the Big Ten behind Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson and Michigan’s Justice Haynes. On the other hand, Sanders has contributed 264 yards and two touchdowns. While the hope is for Jordan to return sometime in November, Sanders will miss the rest of the 2025 season.

Despite their depleted running back room, Nebraska’s defensive coordinator, John Butler, believes there isn’t a big drop-off in USC’s run game. As quoted by reporter Keely Eure, Butler said: “They’re not doing anything different… Unfortunately, there isn’t much drop-off. You’d hope when you get down to the fourth-string RB, he wouldn’t be as good as the first-string RB… They’ve got some dudes.”

Butler has a point and is well aware of what USC’s offense can bring. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has found great chemistry with receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, and the Trojans lead the FBS with 530.1 yards per game and 326.1 passing yards per game. Tipped as one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, it promises to be a high-scoring affair when USC makes the trip to Memorial Stadium on Saturday.