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2h ago

Colin Cowherd Calls Lincoln Riley 'Unfireable' at USC

He argues USC's recent big-ticket investments make a buyout unrealistic.

Head Coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans looks on during the second half of a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Cowherd made the claim on Aug. 25 during an appearance on the Joel Klatt Show.
  • He cited a reported $300 million facility project and $18 million in NIL spending as reasons the school would not pursue an expensive coaching change.
  • Cowherd also predicted USC will resemble an eight-win team in 2025, pointing to limited offensive firepower and comparatively stronger defensive personnel.
  • Riley enters his fourth season after records of 11 wins in 2022, 8-5 in 2023, and 7-6 in 2024, which included a 4-5 Big Ten mark and a Las Vegas Bowl win over Texas A&M.
  • USC opens at home against Missouri State on Aug. 30, with early winnable games before a road trip to Illinois on Sept. 27 that Cowherd framed as an early barometer.