Lincoln Riley labeled as Baylor wildcard by Chris Vannini

Wisconsin Defeat Puts Lincoln Riley’s USC Tenure Under Fresh Scrutiny

Coach Lincoln Riley’s future in Los Angeles has resurfaced as a major talking point following Wisconsin’s 24-7 win over the USC Trojans on October 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium, Sports Illustrated reported. USC currently sits bowl-eligible at 6-2, but the unranked Trojans face mounting comparisons to crosstown rival UCLA, which started its season undefeated under first-year coach Bob Chesney. Meanwhile, Riley is operating in his fifth season in Los Angeles without a single College Football Playoff appearance.

Lincoln Riley and Baylor are a match made in heaven https://t.co/2TuXToF5c8

— https://x.com/TylersTakes/status/2114428188680183909

Beyond the performance on the field, external openings are drawing attention to Riley’s status in the Land of Troy. Baylor fired head coach Dave Aranda following the Bears’ October 24 loss against Kansas, creating an immediate vacancy in a conference Riley knows well.

Chris Vannini Links Riley to Baylor and TCU

Writing for The Athletic, college football insider Chris Vannini labeled Riley as a potential “wildcard” for the newly opened Baylor job. Industry sources a year ago shared whispers that Riley could harbor interest in the position should it become available, according to Vannini. Outside chatter regarding the West Texas native leaving USC to return to his home state has persisted, whether through a departure facilitated by a buyout exceeding $60 million or by a voluntary exit that USC might welcome.

Vannini also pointed to another Big 12 program to monitor. The TCU job could emerge as a destination if the Horned Frogs move on from Sonny Dykes. Such a move would introduce a notable twist, given that former TCU coach Gary Patterson currently serves on Riley’s staff as defensive coordinator.

On3 analyst Pete Nakos also mentioned Riley’s name as a possibility for the Baylor vacancy. Despite the growing speculation, Riley remains under contract in Los Angeles.

High Expectations and Mounting Pressure in Los Angeles

Restlessness continues to grow among USC supporters who anticipated that Riley would replicate the national championship contention seen during the Pete Carroll era. Since his arrival, Riley’s Trojans have reached just one New Year’s Six bowl game—a Cotton Bowl loss to Tulane at the end of the 2022 season—followed by appearances in the Holiday, Las Vegas, and Alamo bowls.

Usc trojans head coach lincoln riley during a ncaa football game against the washington huskies saturday november at the los

The 17-point loss in Madison triggered a fresh wave of anxiety for the program, drawing pointed commentary from alums including former USC and NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. With expectations magnified, the Trojans hover dangerously close to elimination from Big Ten title contention and the expanded 12-team playoff field. Adding to the friction, UCLA’s immediate success under Chesney and Indiana’s rapid rise to a national championship under Curt Cignetti have sharpened the contrast regarding USC’s trajectory.

A high-stakes matchup against No. 2 Ohio State awaits the Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Halloween night, setting up a game that could determine the remainder of Riley's tenure.