Overview
- TCU beat USC 30-27 in overtime after the Trojans squandered a late double-digit lead and allowed a walk-off 35-yard touchdown on third-and-20.
- Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn left for Penn State before the bowl, with co-DC Eric Henderson calling the defense as USC now begins a search for its third DC in four years.
- Riley said the team is on an upward trend, stressed he does not want to reset the scheme or culture, and described the DC opening as a coveted job drawing heavy interest.
- Media and analysts now describe Riley as on the hot seat entering 2026, with some asserting he must reach the College Football Playoff next season to keep his job.
- USC points to advantages for a rebound, including the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, football GM Chad Bowden’s roster-building work, and a new $50 million training facility opening this summer.