College football coaches with the most to lose in 2026: Can Lincoln Riley finally elevate USC?

USC coach Lincoln Riley enters the 2026 season with unprecedented pressure to elevate the Trojans to College Football Playoff contention. With a No. 1 recruiting class, returning quarterback Jayden Maiava, and a tough schedule including Ohio State, USC’s resources now demand playoff-caliber results. Riley’s five-year tenure has included flashes of success, like Caleb Williams’ Heisman win, but a playoff appearance remains elusive, fueling skepticism. The expanded playoff system has intensified expectations across college football, shrinking the margin for error for high-profile programs. USC’s roster continuity and defensive improvements create an opportunity, but the 2025 season’s 9-4 finish only heightened demands for a breakthrough. Riley’s hiring from Oklahoma was meant to restore USC’s championship legacy, not just maintain relevance. Critics argue USC’s infrastructure and talent should translate to immediate success, leaving little room for excuses. The Trojans return a large portion of their roster, addressing past defensive weaknesses, but the schedule’s difficulty adds to the challenge. Every game in 2026 will serve as a referendum on Riley’s ability to deliver, with job security tied to playoff validation. For Riley, the stakes are about proving USC’s resources can finally meet its potential. The 2026 season will determine whether his tenure transitions from rebuilding to sustained excellence—or becomes another chapter in the search for a championship.