USC faces Ohio State with Lincoln Riley's $70m buyout in jeopardy
Lincoln Riley's tenure at USC could end this weekend if the Trojans lose to Ohio State, triggering a reported $70 million buyout clause. The game, scheduled for Saturday night in Los Angeles, pits USC against an Ohio State team expected to play with a backup quarterback. This matchup follows a recent loss for USC to Wisconsin, a result that has intensified scrutiny of the head coach's performance and the program's trajectory toward the college football playoff.
Lincoln Riley's tenure at USC could end this weekend if the Trojans lose to Ohio State, triggering a reported $70 million buyout clause. The game, scheduled for Saturday night in Los Angeles, pits USC against an Ohio State team expected to play with a backup quarterback. This matchup follows a recent loss for USC to Wisconsin, a result that has intensified scrutiny of the head coach's performance and the program's trajectory toward the college football playoff.
USC entered the season with high expectations, aiming to compete for a national championship. The roster featured quarterback Jayden Maiava leading an offense projected to rank among the Big Ten's best, alongside a defense led by Gary Patterson. However, the team's performance has fallen short of these goals. The recent defeat to Wisconsin highlighted significant struggles, as the Trojans scored only seven points in the contest. Wisconsin's offense managed just 58 passing yards in that victory, a statistical margin that has drawn criticism from fans and analysts regarding USC's defensive capabilities.
Riley addressed the Wisconsin loss by pointing to a previous road victory against Penn State. He stated that the team is capable of replicating that level of play in upcoming weeks, emphasizing that both coaches and players must execute. Despite this assertion, the gap between USC's talent and that of Wisconsin has led to questions about the coaching staff's effectiveness. The loss has placed Riley in a precarious position, with some suggesting that his era at USC is nearing its conclusion.
The potential dismissal of Riley would involve complex negotiations regarding his contract. The reported $70 million buyout represents a significant financial obligation for the university. In the current environment of college athletics, institutions face pressure to manage costs while maintaining competitive rosters. For USC, the financial and competitive stakes are heightened by the team's recent history; the Trojans have not won more than nine games since the 2022 season, when they finished with an 11-3 record.
If USC defeats Ohio State, it remains within striking distance of the playoffs. However, the path forward requires victories against Indiana, Maryland, and UCLA to finish the 2026 season. The Trojans must also travel to Bloomington in three weeks to face Indiana, a team still in contention despite offensive inconsistencies. A loss to Ohio State would effectively end USC's playoff hopes and likely lead to Riley's departure. The situation presents a potential standoff between the administration and Riley's agent over the terms of his exit, with the buyout amount potentially subject to mitigation. The outcome of this weekend's game will determine whether Riley remains in Los Angeles or departs with a substantial payout.