Overview
- Riley made the case at Big Ten media days on Tuesday that USC is in its strongest position since he arrived, saying the program is “more equipped” and pointing to concrete changes inside the operation.
- He cited specific upgrades that underpin that view: the return of starting quarterback Jayden Maiava, more than a dozen returning contributors, the nation’s No. 1 2026 recruiting class, the hire of veteran defensive coordinator Gary Patterson and the new Bloom Football Performance Center.
- Critics stress the stakes because Riley’s four-year USC record stands at 35-18 with no College Football Playoff appearances, and many outlets say the heavy spending and high salary for Riley increase expectations for immediate results.
- The Trojans face a tough 2026 slate that includes Indiana, Ohio State and Oregon plus road trips to Penn State and Wisconsin, a schedule that makes early season road wins pivotal to any playoff push.
- How USC performs this season could reshape internal decisions and public patience: a breakthrough would validate recent investments and staffing moves while failure would intensify calls for change in leadership and strategy.