USC's High-Profile Losses Blamed on Defensive Failures, Coach Lincoln Riley Expected to Make Major Changes

Consistent Defensive Weakness and Poor Recruiting Decisions Lead to USC's Disappointing Season, with Speculation of Major Shake-Up under Coach Riley.

USC's defensive weaknesses, attributed to issues with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, have led to a series of high-profile losses, including a recent 52-42 defeat against Washington.
Inadequate defensive tactics and poor player alignment have been significant factors in USC's disappointing performance, causing growing disconnect between Grinch's coaching strategies and on-field executions.
Compounding their defensive issues, USC has also struggled with their recruiting, failing to attract high-level defensive players which has further weakened their defensive ranks.
Despite increased talents among this year's recruits and assurances from Coach Riley, USC’s defense has deteriorated in performance. The team has faltered in defending against both the run and pass, and their lack of turnover is a cause for concern.
Reflecting their poor performance, USC ranked No. 111 nationally in defense prior to the Washington game. Discontentment is growing among fans, with calls for a major shake-up within the coaching team.