The USC Trojans are now ranked No. 18 after suffering a 41-27 Week 4 loss to the newly No. 15-ranked Oregon Ducks. It marked another big-game loss in the Lincoln Riley era, which has sparked rumors regarding his job security.
It's said that how the remainder of the 2026-27 season plays out may determine the 43-year-old's fate as USC's head coach, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Saturday's loss to Oregon was the 15th time the Trojans have lost to a ranked opponent under Riley. However, Zenitz points out that the program will have to make its decision based on a $70 million buyout.
“A buyout of roughly $70 million would be prohibitive for almost any program,” Zenitz wrote. “Industry sources nevertheless caution against assuming it rules out a change at USC, a private institution with deep-pocketed supporters. No decision has been made, and Riley's future will depend on what the Trojans do from here.”
Article Continues BelowUSC did play Oregon well throughout most of the game. That is, until the Ducks scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. But not coming out on top against a ranked opponent is nothing new for the Trojans, with Lincoln Riley at the helm.
The team will face off against an unranked Washington Huskies team in Week 5. USC will be without linebacker Desman Stephens, who was suspended one game for his dirty hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. However, with conference play in full swing, the Trojans have several future matchups against currently ranked Big Ten opponents. Those team's being the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes, No. 6 Indiana Hoosiers, and No. 23 UCLA Bruins.