Losing to Penn State is not only the worst thing that happened to Lincoln Riley, but it is also raising concerns over his coaching style and abilities. Moreover, it is making it increasingly difficult for him to sustain his position within the team. But it looks like Riley is not at all bothered with the growing speculations, as he is determined to get together a better team in the future. Let’s see what Riley has to say about it.

Today on a recent episode of the USCAthletics, USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reveals future plans for USC despite tough times and puts his job on the line, saying, “It’s just that we’ve had a little bit of a run there where we’ve gotten some guys outside of our state. I wouldn’t say it’s like a conscious effort. It’s just one of those things. We’ve got a lot of staff connections there. We had several guys that were really interested in the SEC, and just a few of those things came together.” With rising concerns about Lincoln’s tenure in the team, it’s surprising that he is still trying to align a better team.

Lincoln Riley also added to it, saying, “And then I do think, you know, you start to look ahead in the future years. You can already see what we’re doing in the 26th class and beyond.”

Well, Riley is not wrong while talking about 2026 recruits for the Trojans. Even after having a rough season, USC has successfully gained commitment from various young players, like defensive end Xavier Griffin and wide receiver Ja’Myron Baker. Yet there is uncertainty about his future. 

Yes, you heard that right. Paul Finebaum also thinks the same about Lincoln Riley. After their recent game against Penn State, Paul took a brutal shot at Riley and his coaching abilities for the Trojans, saying, “We’re sitting here in mid-October; you’ve got three losses; you’re out of the playoffs, and your tenure is looking as shaky as it was back when I was making idiotic statements, or I thought, before the season.”

Well, Paul Finebaum had already called Riley “overrated” even before the season started, and now USC’s poor performance gave him a chance to throw Riley under the bus. However, he is not the only one raising questions about him.

USC alum raising concerns on Lincoln Riley

It puts you in a position of extreme doubt when your abilities are being questioned by your own team alumni. USC Trojans’s upsetting performance in the ongoing season is not only hampering their playoff dreams but also raising a lot of concerns about Riley as a right fit for coaching the team.

Following the notion today on All Facts, No Brakes Trojans, former wide receiver and NFL star player Keyshawn Johnson shared his thoughts on Lincoln’s Riley’s future with the team and raised questions on their gameplay against Penn State.

Shocking, right? Wait until you hear his exact words. Johnson said, “Well, the thought of the game was, you predicted them to lose, right? And we blew it and ended up losing the game. That’s what the predictions are. That’s what happened. Now it’s Lincoln Riley on the hot seat. His seat is going to be high. They are not going to make the playoffs this year.”

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Well, looking at the Trojans’ current three-win, three-loss streak in the tournament, entering the playoffs might be a matter of concern. If USC truly wants to qualify, they must demonstrate a significant improvement in their future games.