USC's loss to Wisconsin intensifies Lincoln Riley hot seat rumors

USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley's position at the University of Southern California is under increased scrutiny following a 23-17 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. The defeat marked the second loss of the 2026 season for a program that entered the year with the nation's number one recruiting class and a widely held expectation of reaching the College Football Playoff. Despite a 5-1 start that included a road victory over Penn State, the loss to Wisconsin exposed persistent issues in USC's coaching and defensive execution.

The game highlighted specific strategic failures attributed to Riley, including a decision not to call a timeout during a critical defensive alignment in the third quarter, which led to a Wisconsin touchdown. Later in the contest, Riley opted for a 59-yard field goal attempt on fourth down instead of punting or attempting a screen pass, resulting in a missed kick and a subsequent game-ending drive by Wisconsin. Quarterback Jayden Maiava had one of his worst performances as a Trojan, throwing two interceptions and suffering significant negative rushing yards, though the report emphasizes that the coaching mistakes were indefensible.

USC's offense struggled significantly against a Wisconsin defense that had previously allowed 41 points to Notre Dame. The Trojans recorded minus-17 total rushing yards, with Maiava accounting for minus-57 of those yards himself. The offensive line was described as confused and overwhelmed, contributing to a lackluster running game and multiple drops by the receiving corps. Despite these struggles, Wisconsin's offense was characterized as one-dimensional, averaging just 3.5 yards per play and managing only 58 total passing yards. Yet, USC allowed three touchdown drives, a defensive failure that has become a recurring theme in the Riley era.

The loss caps a period of high expectations for USC. The team had secured a win over Penn State despite injuries and a difficult road trip, and Ohio State's loss of starting quarterback Julian Sayin had made their upcoming matchup appear more winnable. However, the inability to beat Wisconsin, a team described as not being on the level of Ohio State or Indiana, has raised questions about the program's trajectory. In five years under Riley, USC has not reached the College Football Playoff, finishing last season 7-5 with quarterback Caleb Williams.

USC still has a mathematical opportunity to reach the playoffs if they defeat Ohio State, Indiana, Maryland, and UCLA. However, it is suggested that it is unlikely they will win more than two of those remaining games. The loss to Wisconsin adds to a pattern of inexcusable defeats that have defined Riley's tenure, contrasting with nearby rival UCLA, which is positioned to reach the playoff in its first season under Bob Chesney. As the season progresses, pressure on the USC administration to address Riley's future is expected to grow louder.