No. 18 USC’s CFP Hopes Fade as Riley’s Ranked-Game Record Stalls

Ranked Opponents Remain a Hurdle

The Trojans fell to 6-15 against ranked teams with Riley at USC. They have lost eight of their last 10 such matchups, a run stretching back to the 2024 season.

Riley’s USC Record Compared

Riley arrived in December 2021, bringing an early jolt to the Trojans alongside Caleb Wilson, the 2022 Heisman winner who followed him from Oklahoma. That early period has been the high point of his USC tenure, according to the account.

In four years at USC, Riley has gone 31-18, a .633 winning percentage. At Oklahoma, he went 55-10, or .846, over five seasons.

Different Foundations, Different Results

At Oklahoma, Riley took over an established program led previously by Bob Stoops. The account says he has not produced comparable results at USC without that foundation. Since joining the Big Ten in 2024, USC has remained in the conference’s middle tier rather than establishing itself among its leading teams.

UCLA’s Rise Adds Contrast

USC’s position has been underscored by crosstown rival UCLA’s strong season under first-year coach Bob Chesney. The Bruins reached 10-0 after beating Illinois on Friday.