Is Lincoln Riley on the hot seat, or is USC’s football program poised for a major comeback? Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen spills the tea on the massive investments, recruiting wins, and the undeniable pressure to bring home championships. You won’t believe what she said about Riley’s true motivation! What do you think the upcoming season holds for the Trojans?
USC Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen has expressed unwavering confidence in head football coach Lincoln Riley, emphasizing the collective high expectations for the program’s success despite a recent dip in win totals. Cohen’s recent remarks underscore a unified front within the athletic department, projecting a strong belief in Riley’s leadership and the significant strides made off the field to bolster the USC Football team’s future.
While Riley’s initial season at USC saw 11 victories, the subsequent two years have witnessed a decline in the team’s win-loss record, stirring questions among fans and analysts. This trajectory has placed considerable pressure on the upcoming season, making it a pivotal moment for the program to demonstrate tangible progress on the gridiron for the USC Trojans.
Despite on-field challenges, a substantial wave of positive momentum has been building within the USC football program during the offseason. This surge includes successfully retaining key coaching talent despite competitive offers, reinforcing the stability and quality of the team’s leadership structure. The strategic appointments and restructuring of the front office, particularly the hiring of general manager Chad Bowden, have been instrumental in fostering a cohesive and supportive environment under Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen’s guidance.
A significant aspect of this newfound momentum is USC’s ascendance in recruiting and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities. The program has surged to the forefront of the 2026 recruiting rankings, signaling a highly promising future talent pipeline. Simultaneously, USC has dramatically improved its standing in the competitive NIL landscape, now setting the pace after previously lagging behind other top-tier programs in College Football.
Further bolstering optimism is the ongoing development of state-of-the-art football facilities, slated to open in 2026. This substantial investment not only enhances the student-athlete experience but also serves as a powerful recruiting tool, demonstrating the university’s long-term commitment to NCAAF excellence. The tangible progress on these projects has instilled a renewed sense of belief among current and prospective players.
Addressing the elephant in the room—the win expectations—Cohen unequivocally stated, “We’re in a position where our expectations are high. We all know what they are and that’s to win.” She articulated a clear alignment between her vision and Riley’s, emphasizing that both are driven by the singular goal of achieving championships for the USC Trojans.
Cohen further highlighted Riley’s personal drive, asserting, “there’s nobody that wants to succeed more than Lincoln.” She expressed confidence that Riley is energized and motivated by the robust support system and resources now available to him, ready to translate offseason gains into on-field victories. The Athletic Director’s steadfast support aims to rally the entire Trojan family behind the team.
The upcoming season, therefore, represents a critical juncture for USC Football. With significant off-field investments and a revitalized infrastructure, the focus now squarely shifts to performance. The collective aspiration is to see these foundational improvements manifest in a championship-contending team, cementing USC’s return to elite status in College Football.
