Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans are fresh off a 38-17 win over the Northwestern Wildcats on Friday night. Riley’s squad has now pulled off seven wins in the 2025 season and is 5-1 in Big Ten play. Thanks to his strong run with the team, Riley’s name has started popping up in discussions for head coaching roles for multiple schools, as this season has already seen some significant firings.
Lincoln Riley Gets Linked to a Major Big Ten Program for Head Coaching Role
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum appeared on the “Matt Barrie Show” to speak on trending college football topics. During the discussion, Barrie asked if there was a high-profile coaching candidate Penn State could target after James Franklin’s firing, and Finebaum took Riley’s name.
“I’ve been critical of this guy, but he’s done a really good job this year of keeping his program together, and that’s Lincoln Riley,” Finebaum said. “I’m not just saying this to say it, but I keep hearing whispers that he could be in play. And if he is, it’s good for him that his name’s back in the picture again. Don’t know if he would leave USC.”
Riley previously led Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff in each season from 2017 to 2019. His first year at USC in 2022 was strong, with the Trojans finishing 11-3 and making a Pac-12 championship appearance.
Meanwhile, Finebaum suggested a potential reason Riley might consider a move away from USC.
“The bottom line is that they are forgotten about,” Finebaum said. “I’m sure Lincoln Riley is getting that memo, and you know he’s done a pretty good job this year, and where is he going to go for attention in a town that just celebrated a World Series, and you know is focused on the Lakers right now,” he further explained.
While speculation about Riley’s future at USC has also been fueled by insiders like On3’s Josh Pate, the USC coach had made his stance crystal clear in a press conference after USC’s win over Northwestern.
“You guys know what I sacrificed to be here,” Riley said. “I’m where I need to be.”
As per PFSN’s CFB Overall Impact metrics, Riley’s USC is ranked No.7 in the season with an impact score of 88.1 and a B+ Grade. The Trojans also sit at No. 17 in the AP Poll and No. 18 in the Coaches Poll after their win over Northwestern, marking their highest AP Poll ranking of the season.
