After USC’s 41-27 loss to Oregon, the rest of the 2026 season could shape Lincoln Riley’s future as head coach, according to a source cited by CBS Sports; his buyout is believed to be about $70 million.
Riley is in his fifth season at USC. The Trojans won 11 games in 2022, his first season, then eight, seven and nine over the following three years. His 10-year, $110 million contract, signed ahead of 2022, runs through the 2031 season.
Riley’s next four games—against Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Indiana—are described as a potentially decisive stretch. The article also cites defensive struggles: Rutgers scored 35 in a 42-35 USC win, and Oregon backup Dylan Raiola played after starter Dante Moore left early. Linebacker Desman Stephens was seen smiling on the sideline after Moore’s injury; Riley let him return, drawing backlash, and Stephens has since been suspended for one game.
