Lincoln Riley has USC on an upward trajectory after a rocky start to the program's Big Ten era.
The Trojans rebounded from a 7-6 campaign in 2024 to post a 9-4 record last year, which included a 7-2 mark in conference play. That effort cooled the head coach's seat and sparked optimism for 2026, especially with star quarterback Jayden Maiava back in the fold.
Riley did nothing to temper those expectations during his appearance at Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday, talking up the latest version of USC as the best team he's had since making the move from Oklahoma.
"Every year, I expect to win. I expect us to win. I expect us to compete for and win championships. That doesn't change," Riley said. "I certainly will give you what has changed: We're more equipped than at any point in the previous few years. That's not a hope or wish; those are facts."
Among the reasons for Riley's positive outlook is the talent he's accumulated, which has given USC one of the deepest rosters in the Big Ten. The Trojans' offense returns almost the entire line, along with Maiava, while their defense, now led by former TCU head coach Gary Patterson, features nine of 16 players who saw at least 200 snaps of action last season.
"I do feel differently this year in terms of the quality of players - returning starters, the freshman, some of the transfers that we've added," Riley admitted. "There's just a ton of competition. We have a lot of guys on both sides of the line of scrimmage that we feel like we can win with and dominate with."
USC should also reap the benefits of a favorable schedule, as this year's doesn't include the team's traditional nonconference matchup with Notre Dame.
The rivals have played every year since 1946 (outside of 2020) but couldn't come to a scheduling agreement for the upcoming campaign. The Fighting Irish wanted to keep the matchup later in the season, while the Trojans wished to move it to September, when the majority of teams play their nonconference opponents.
"We want to play the game," Riley said. "I want to play the game. We would be playing the game had some things come true that were said. Hopefully we get to that point."
