The USC football team posted a huge win on Saturday night over Ohio State. It was exactly what USC head coach Lincoln Riley needed. Following the win however, video was released that appeared to show Riley mouthing off with Ohio State football staffers.
Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy had video of what appeared to be Riley arguing with Ohio State's Maurice Clarett.
Did Lincoln Riley call Ryan Day a pussy after beating their brains in? pic.twitter.com/lfjLNbIf4y
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) November 1, 2026
Riley has been under pressure at USC this season. He has been listed as a hot-seat candidate by many college football analysts, due to his uneven performance overall with the Trojans.
USC would defeat Ohio State 30-18. Following the game Saturday, Riley reiterated his commitment to the USC football program.
“This program’s built on … internal joy, not external applause,” Riley said, per Sports Illustrated. “This win’s for all the staff members, the players, the leaders, admin, all the people within the walls. I said before this game that I’m the right person for this job, and as long as all those people know that, that’s all I care about. I appreciate being a part of this university and all it does, I appreciate our kids and our staff, and I’m going to continue to fight on because that’s what being a Trojan is all about.”
The Trojans have yet to make the College Football Playoff under Riley. USC football fans expect that in 2026, after watching Riley fail to accomplish that feat during his tenure.
Article Continues BelowRiley wants to take the rest of the year one game at a time.
“I say this all the time,” Riley said, per ESPN. “Every game is its own season. It's just what it feels like. This was a big one.”
Things get no easier for the Trojans. USC football next takes on Indiana on November 14. After the win over the Buckeyes, USC is now 7-2 on the season.