Lincoln Riley warns the Big Ten that the USC Trojans are ready to win championships

Lincoln Riley’s tenure as head coach of the USC Trojans did not go as expected.

While there have been flashes of genius, especially in the 2022 season, the first in LA, SC has yet to reach the College Football Playoff, or compete for the Big Ten Championship. Some of that can be blamed on Riley, as was the Trojans’ defense, to put it mildly, brutally during his first two years on the job.

Some inefficiencies, however, can also be blamed on USC’s complete lack of preparation for name, image, and match-based recruitment.

Despite the rich alumni base, Los Angeles location, and historic success, SC’s athletic department, coaching staff, and donor base were not well aligned when the NIL began operations. And employment suffered. After consistently placing classes in the top 10 of the national rankings, SC dropped to #18 and #15 in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Surprisingly, according to most analytics-based metrics, that’s just what the team finished nationally in overall success rate.

However, thanks to new general manager, Chad Bowden, better teamwork, and equipping that donor base, SC landed the #1 recruiting class in the country in 2026. And Riley is already making bold claims about it.

Riley Says USC Is ‘More Complete’ Team Than Ever

“We’re excited Jim, you know, I think this is going to be the most complete roster we’ve ever had here at USC,” Riley told Jim Rome on a recent episode of the “Jim Rome Show.” line of defense.”

Riley explained that it’s not just the returning talent that excites him, it’s the “huge class” they’ve brought.

“We have, you know, we have a little bit there, which is a fun first episode,” he continued. “And then, you know, we brought in a great class. We signed the number one recruiting class in the country.

“You know, it’s been good to get a lot of those guys up here for spring ball. And for that combination from a roster standpoint to be happy. And we’ve just gotten a little bit better every year.”

Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans runs onto the field on April 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Riley went on a bit further, saying that this class and the returning talent has put them in a position to compete with “champions” at USC.

“I think it’s because of a lot of hope,” he said. “So, I can’t wait for this season to come. You know, we came here to win titles. You know, that’s why you come to USC. And we feel like this team is really prepared and ready to do that.”

There is no doubt that this is Riley’s best list in SC. A recruitment phase, a good transfer phase, and key players returning to key positions. Another year of development for Jayden Maiava, Jakheem Stewart, good running backs, and so on. The problem is that until SC wins a big game against a marquee opponent that they shouldn’t have won, no one will take them seriously. Yes, Riley beat Notre Dame with Caleb Williams, and he was very successful at Michigan at the Coliseum in 2025. But the schedule in 2026 is difficult.

Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington in LA. Penn State, Indiana, and Wisconsin on the road. And a rivalry game against UCLA in the Rose Bowl. To seriously compete for a “championship,” Riley needs to beat Ohio State and Oregon, or one of those two and Indiana and/or Penn State on the road. Having a talented list is one thing. Bringing in that talent is another. Do that, and start talking.