Lincoln Riley claims USC was ‘snaps away’ from the playoff, says he’s a better coach now than when at Oklahoma USC head coach Lincoln Riley asserts that he is a better coach now than during his successful tenure at Oklahoma, believing the Trojans are on the verge of playoff contention. Despite a tough 2026 schedule and past shortcomings, Riley feels the program has made tangible progress in talent acquisition and learning to win. He acknowledges the team was close to the playoff last season, with key moments determining their fate, and emphasizes that it’s time for USC to achieve success.

• Lincoln Riley, head coach of the USC Trojans, feels he is a better coach now than during his time at Oklahoma.
• He believes USC is ‘snaps away’ from playoff contention, citing progress in talent acquisition and teaching the team to win.
• The 2026 season is pivotal for Riley due to a challenging schedule and increasing pressure.
• USC’s NIL program has helped secure the No. 1 recruiting class.
• Riley acknowledges past struggles, including close losses where elite teams typically find a way to win.