Riley and the Trojans may have gotten away with an eyebrow-raising decision during USC’s 31-13 victory over Michigan. However, they didn’t stay under the radar too long before the Big Ten intervened.

As reported by CBS Sports, the conference imposed a $5,000 fine on USC for playing running back Bryan Jackson against Michigan. “Jackson was initially listed as ‘out’ on the final availability report before the game,” reporter Richard Johnson stated.

“Jackson did not initially dress for the game, but after injuries to other running backs in the first half of the game, Jackson was medically cleared to play and suited up.”

Riley sets record straight

Jackson’s appearance after halftime during the home win against Michigan made waves all around college football. Riley was asked about the sophomore tail-back during his postgame press conference. According to the fourth-year coach in Southern California, the league was made aware of the situation. The latter states otherwise, though.

“There was an expectation coming into this game that outside of a near catastrophe, we weren’t going to play him,” Riley admitted after the game. “We have a couple injuries that you never expect to happen. Two of them, just like that.

“We were able to get in communication with the league office and explain the situation. Our doctors medically cleared him, and again, it just became a wellness issue for us here. We made sure to clear him. The kid was ready to go and stepped up.“

Insult to injury

To make matters worse for Michigan, what was already a painful road defeat in the Big Ten now casts a cloud of speculation over the program. Jackson registered five carries for 35 rushing yards, numbers that were greatly boosted by his 29-yard touchdown run to put the game away with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Many may argue the Wolverines didn’t have much of a chance regardless, but it’s hard to deny that Jackson’s controversial call-up played a role in Michigan’s second loss of the 2025 NCAA season and first in league play.

In comments published on SI.com, Riley spoke in a 2022 press conference about the technical skills he had already seen in Hurts during his time in the NCAAF. The current Super Bowl champion joined the Sooners in his final year of college after transferring from Alabama.

“The question from every team was how do you project this guy,” Riley started. “I told them he’s gonna be a really good player, he’s got a pro mentality.”

In addition, the current Trojans head coach emphasized that his time with Hurts helped shape him as a professional, given the strong bond they built during their time at USC. Hurts‘ arrival in the NFL was definitely something that had to happen.

“Our time together was short. It was fun. He made me a better coach because his approach was really unique,” Riley also added. “Jalen is a pretty serious, at times stoic guy…We allowed him to be able to relax, enjoy, and play the game maybe a but more free flowing.”

Hurts praises the defensive work of the Georgia program

Although Jalen Hurts spent his college years first with the Alabama Crimson Tide and later with the Oklahoma Sooners, when it comes to highlighting something that helped his team secure the Super Bowl title, it was none other than the defensive work developed by another program—the Georgia Bulldogs.

Many of Hurts’ current teammates on the Eagles came from there and perfected this aspect in the best possible way, which proved crucial in countering the attacks of Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs.

“I think a big part of it has to do with the Georgia background on defense, you know,” Hurts stated, via On3. “And I think that starts with Nakobe Dean and all those guys that were able to play ball in college together and bring their ways to the league.

“I think that has a big impact on our culture on defense, how they play, how together they are, and then I think I kind of seeps through the team in many ways.”

The Trojans under Riley haven’t been able to replicate the success they had during the 2022 NCAA season, and are desperate to get back in the mix for the Big Ten Title in the upcoming campaign.

To do so, Riley needs all the help he can get, both on the field and on his staff. Rob Ryan brings plenty of expertise as an assistant and position coach in the NFL, having worked alongside masterminds like Belichick, Sean Payton, and Al Davis. However, Ryan will be venturing into college football for the first time as he takes on the linebackers coach role at USC.

Ryan has over 20 years of experience in the NFL and has bought into the program in South Cali due to his belief in Riley and the Trojans. Ahead of the season, Ryan made a bold comparison between Riley and Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean McVay. According to Ryan, McVay and Riley have more in common than just working as head coaches for football teams in LA.

“I’m joining the best coaching staff in the country,” Ryan admitted, via On3. “Lincoln Riley is right there with (Sean) McVay. They’re the best offensive coaches, best best guys in the country. I don’t care what league it is, or whatever it is, that’s just the truth. And I’ve been around some pretty good ones. I’ve been around Bill Belichick, I’ve been around Al Davis, I’ve been around Sean Payton, all these guys. These are the best offensive coaches in the country.“

Here to win

Ryan served as the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2004, working on Belichick’s staff during the team’s championships in Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII.

While working alongside Riley is exciting for Ryan, it’d be all useless if at the end of the day he has nothing to show for it, but his paycheck. Ryan has decided to step into college football to make an impact and, most importantly, win.

“I wanted to come to a place, if I’m going to leave pro football, I’m going to come to a college, you know, I want to win a national championship, and so I wanted to make sure I chose USC, you know, it’s the right place to be.”

Warm welcome

Lincoln Riley made sure to greet Ryan during his introduction to the campus in Los Angeles and the Trojans program. A big season awaits USC, and the school will need all hands on deck to take the Big Ten by storm, aiming to dethrone conference champions the Oregon Ducks and national champions the Ohio State Buckeyes.

“Rob Ryan is one of the most accomplished defensive coaches in NFL history,” Riley said, per On3. “With over two decades of NFL experience, he will immediately bolster our staff as we continue our climb here at USC. He has coached some of the NFL’s top players, including numerous Hall of Famers and All-Pro selections. We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Ryan and his family to our program.”

The Trojans will kickoff their NCAA season against Missouri State on August 30 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

USC suffered their fifth loss of the season during their visit to Seattle. Through nine games on the season, the Trojans have already equalled their loss-total from last season. Riley’s seat is certainly heating up as the team has failed to meet expectations. Since Riley took the reins in LA, the team has yet to make the College Football Playoffs.

Saturday’s loss to the Huskies hammered the final nail in the Trojans’ coffin. The season is pretty much over for USC. Though just two wins away from bowl eligibility, it feels more like a consolation prize than a meaningful season goal. Riley had a sincere message after the 26-21 loss.

“I don’t handle losing very well. It hasn’t happened very much in my career. That part of it is unacceptable,” Riley stated, via On3. “It’s not like we’re getting our a** kicked. It’s not like I go back to the drawing board like gah, we’re doing this terrible, and people are wearing us out on this or that. It’s not that.”

Riley’s record in South California

Riley made the headlines in 2021 as he decided to leave Oklahoma for USC. That decision changed the tune on his coaching decisiones, forever. He has been under heavy scrutiny since, and the results have not carried over to Cali. During his five-year tenure with the Sooners, Riley never had a +2 loss season.

On the contrary, since taking the Trojans’ job, his teams have not had a season with fewer than three losses. Riley had Williams at QB for his first two seasons, yet the team couldn’t make the postseason. In 2022, USC finished with an 11-3 record, but there was a notable decline in 2023, with an 8-5 record. This season has hit an even lower low, as the team currently holds a 4-5 record.

The 2023-24 season ended positively for USC, with 8 wins and 5 losses. The Trojans ultimately faced Louisville Cardinals in the Hollywood Bowl, concluding the year with a victory of 42-28.

What’s notable about this final game is that star quarterback Caleb Williams chose not to play, as he was preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. This significant decision suggests that the management anticipated Williams would be one of the top prospects in that draft.

With the departure of the quarterback to the Chicago Bears now confirmed, HC Lincoln Riley’s goal following the preseason is to find a replacement for Williams. This task will undoubtedly be far from easy.

The Trojans will kick off their season this Sunday, September 1, against a tough opponent in LSU. Following that, they will face three challenging matchups: Utah State, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Without a doubt, it’s a tough start to the season.

The successor to Williams for Week 1

Following Williams’ departure to the NFL, HC Riley has finally named his successor for the start of the season. The player is none other than Miller Moss, who has been with the Trojans for several years and had a standout performance in the Hollywood Bowl.

According to ESPN journalist Paolo Uggetti, it will be Moss who starts in Week 1 against LSU: “It took Moss all of spring practice and most of fall camp to officially secure the position, but in many ways, Moss may have won the job back in December.”

When Moss earned the starting position?

Caleb Williams’ decision not to participate in the Hollywood Bowl at the end of last season against Louisville, in order to prepare for the NFL Draft, allowed Moss to step in and deliver an outstanding performance.

Regarding this situation, Uggetti stated: “With Williams deciding to not play in the Holiday Bowl in anticipation of his NFL draft decision, Moss stepped into the starting role and made the most of his opportunity.”

The opinion of his teammates regarding Moss

Following the victory in the Hollywood Bowl with a stellar performance by quarterback Miller Moss, his teammates lavished him with praise.

“What Miller did out there, it’s something that’s going to help us in the future, so personally, yes he did,” wide receiver Kyron Hudson said after the win over the Cardinals, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). “I’m super excited for Miller. He waited his time and he’s ready for it. He’s the guy we need.”

So far, even after a big 42-6 loss against Oregon, Coach Prime’s work with the Buffaloes has been remarkable. The three wins in four weeks facing TCU, Nebraska and Colorado State are more than the total projection made by some experts for their entire season.

Just to put things in perspective, Colorado finished 1-11 in 2022. That’s why, regardless of the possible result for Deion Sanders, the game with USC will be a national event and Riley knows that.

Lincoln Riley dedicates special words to Deion Sanders

After all the controversy with Dan Lanning and Oregon, every coach who faces Deion Sanders is being asked about the impact of the former NFL star in college football.

This week, with USC as a favorite to reach the playoffs, Riley doesn’t want any type of confrontation off the field. In fact, it’s all respect for Coach Prime and his players.

“He’s done a great job. Look at the results. At the end of the day, our job as coaches is to do what’s necessary to help make these programs that give us an opportunity the best possible.”

According to Riley, there’s nothing wrong with Sanders’ personality. Furthermore, the head coach of the Trojans recognized his greatness.

“I don’t know him. I’ve never met him, but he seems to be very genuine. Certainly his guys have responded to that. I’m looking forward to get a chance to meet him. Obviously, he’s one of the best players that’s ever played our game. He’ll always have an important place in our game. No matter what.”