A common adage suggests that repeating the same actions while anticipating different outcomes defines folly. This sentiment appears to resonate deeply within the USC Trojans football program, particularly when examining its trajectory since the conclusion of the Pete Carroll era. The initial half of the 2026 season in Los Angeles has, for many, underscored these persistent patterns.
High Hopes and Early Setbacks
Entering the season, the Trojans carried significant expectations: a berth in the College Football Playoff and a return to national prominence after years marked by missed opportunities and disappointments. The schedule presented formidable challenges, including home matchups against Oregon, Ohio State, and Washington, alongside away games at Penn State, Wisconsin, Indiana, and UCLA.
The Oregon game served as an early barometer for USC's elite aspirations, a test which the team largely failed. The Ducks amassed over 500 yards offensively, even after backup quarterback Dylan Raiola took over following an injury to starter Dante Moore, sustained on a questionable USC tackle. Despite the score being tied 27-27 in the fourth quarter and the defense seemingly securing a crucial third-down stop, a poorly timed roughing the passer penalty granted Oregon a free first down. This pivotal moment contributed to another loss during Lincoln Riley's tenure.
Fan Frustration Boils Over
While a single defeat typically isn't a season-ender in modern college football, the subsequent game against the Washington Huskies offered an opportunity for USC to demonstrate resilience. Yet, despite Washington being considered an inferior opponent, chants of "Fire Lincoln" were distinctly audible from the USC student section throughout the game, even on a scorching 100-degree day in Los Angeles.
A notable instance of this frustration was captured during a Washington touchdown in the third quarter that extended their lead to 21-10. The tackling effort on this play was so poor that one announcer openly described the team's execution and effort as "awful." Though the Trojans ultimately secured a 25-21 victory, thanks in part to a strip-sack scoop and score from sophomore defensive lineman Jakheem Stewart, the win did little to quell concerns about the team's underlying issues under Riley's leadership.
A Pattern of Costly Errors
The game against Washington, much like others, was characterized by a recurring cycle of significant plays and key opportunities negated by ill-timed penalties and glaring mistakes. Quarterback Jayden Maiava, for example, threw a costly interception in the second quarter and later woefully underthrew a wide-open receiver in the fourth, missing a chance to seal the victory.
Further illustrating the issue, a 16-yard completion in the second quarter was nullified by an illegal formation penalty, one of the most easily avoidable infractions. On the very same drive, Maiava connected with Kayden Dixon-Wyatt for a 37-yard touchdown on 3rd and 2, only for it to be called back by yet another illegal formation penalty. This sequence transformed a potential 17-7 lead for USC into a punt, which the Huskies then capitalized on with an 80-yard touchdown drive to take a 14-10 lead.
The ensuing USC possession saw Maiava connect with Boobie Feaster for a five-yard gain on 3rd and 6, setting up a manageable 4th and 1 from the Washington 42-yard line. However, lineman Alani Noa incurred a dead ball 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for pulling a Washington defender off his teammate. This turned a promising 4th and 1 opportunity into a 4th and 16 situation, forcing a punt. Later in the third quarter, Dixon-Wyatt received his own 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for retaliating to a hit, escalating a 3rd and 7 to 3rd and 22. These errors continued into the fourth quarter when, with USC leading 25-21 and the ball at the Washington 45 with 5:37 remaining, Maiava again underthrew a wide-open Tanook Hines, forcing another punt.
This persistent pattern of self-inflicted wounds has evidently exhausted the patience of the USC fanbase. Consequently, discussions about Lincoln Riley's job security are growing louder and more frequent, despite the substantial financial implications of his buyout. USC has made considerable investments in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives, facility upgrades, and expanding the coaching staff around Riley. Yet, the current reward is perceived by many as an underwhelming 5-1 record, coupled with significant doubts about the team's ability to challenge well-coached, elite programs like Ohio State or Indiana. Allowing the current state of affairs to persist, many argue, is to embrace a cycle of futility.