Lincoln Riley had a message for everyone who counted out USC football before its primetime showdown against Penn State. These Trojans were listening, and they had something to prove. Facing a hostile White Out crowd at Beaver Stadium, USC delivered a statement 31-23 victory on Saturday, October 10. This gave Riley one of his favorite wins as a head coach.
Lincoln Riley and the Trojans leave Happy Valley with a HUGE WIN.
📺 Big Ten Saturday Night: USC at Penn State on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/PQhk64fr8H
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) October 11, 2026
“Nobody in the world gave us a chance to come in and win this game,” Riley said after the triumph. “We did it our way. We won on our terms, and I'm really damn proud of this football team.”
Article Continues BelowThe Trojans' resilience was particularly satisfying after outside criticism questioned their ability to handle the physical demands of Big Ten football. Riley praised his team's preparation, mindset, and ability to block out the noise. He called the victory a potential spark for the rest of the season. USC heads into its bye week at 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play.
They carry renewed confidence after consecutive wins over Washington and Penn State. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has helped fuel the Trojans' offensive firepower. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, the team's collective response has strengthened its standing as a contender in the national picture. Still, Riley believes his squad has plenty of room to grow. The Penn State victory gives USC an opportunity to build momentum during the break. For a program eager to reestablish itself among college football's elite, silencing Happy Valley could prove to be a defining moment in its 2026 campaign.