Lincoln Riley can continue to express his commitment to USC, but the pressure surrounding his future is becoming difficult to ignore. Despite the Trojans putting together a decent season, the program still has not reached the level of national championship contention that Riley was hired to deliver, and a coaching change in 2027 is becoming increasingly plausible.

According to CBS Sports, industry sources believe USC could have a different head coach next season. The speculation intensified after the Trojans suffered a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin last week, dropping them to 6-2 and knocking them out of the rankings. USC now faces No. 2 Ohio State at the Coliseum on Saturday, giving Riley another opportunity to prove his program can compete with the nation's best.

Riley has publicly insisted that he wants to remain in Los Angeles. However, his words have not erased questions about whether he is the right person to lead USC into the future. His arrival was supposed to return the Trojans to college football's elite, but the program has yet to establish itself as a national championship contender under his leadership.

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The reported $70 million buyout attached to Riley's contract complicates USC's decision. CBS Sports raised the possibility of Riley pursuing another opportunity, including the recently vacated Baylor job, which could give both sides a potential exit strategy. Athletic director Jen Cohen also did not hire Riley, adding another layer to the uncertainty surrounding their future together.

USC still has time to change the narrative, and beating Ohio State would provide a major boost. But one victory would not erase the broader concerns about the program's direction. If the Trojans finish another season without making a meaningful push toward the College Football Playoff, the pressure to consider a coaching change will only grow.