# Lincoln Riley Faces Growing Criticism After USC Drops Out of AP Rankings

> USC's second defeat this season has removed the Trojans from the AP poll and fueled doubts about coach Lincoln Riley's future at the program.

- Publisher: Briefzora (https://briefzora.com)
- URL: https://briefzora.com/lincoln-riley-faces-growing-criticism-after-usc-drops-out-of-ap-rankings
- Published: 2026-10-29T10:00:00+05:00
- Author: Briefzora Desk (https://briefzora.com/author/briefzora-desk)
- Section: Politics
- Image: https://briefzora.com/uploads/2026/10/uscs-embattled-lincoln-riley-has-resolute-response-to-mounting-critic-xmr623.webp

## Key points

- USC recorded its second loss of the season, dropping out of the AP rankings.
- The defeat puts the Trojans near the edge of College Football Playoff consideration.
- Speculation has arisen regarding Lincoln Riley's suitability at USC, where he was not hired by athletic director Jen Cohen.

## Why it matters

USC fans and college football followers are affected as the team's playoff hopes wane and questions about the head coach's future intensify.

## Article

USC suffered its second defeat of a pivotal season for head coach Lincoln Riley, causing the Trojans to fall out of the Associated Press poll and leaving them on the brink of missing the College Football Playoff race. The loss also ignited speculation about Riley's suitability at a school where athletic director Jen Cohen did not select him.

Riley, who entered the program amid high expectations, now confronts mounting scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. Critics point to the team's inability to secure a win that would keep them in contention for the playoff, while supporters argue that the transition period still warrants patience.

The Trojans' recent performance has placed Riley under intense pressure, with calls for a clear response to the growing doubts about his fit at USC.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why did USC fall out of the AP rankings?

The Trojans dropped out after their second loss of the season, which hurt their standing in the poll.

### Who did not hire Lincoln Riley at USC?

Athletic director Jen Cohen was not the one who hired Riley.


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