The USC Trojans entered their Week 5 clash against Illinois looking to build on a strong 4–0 start. Expectations were high for Lincoln Riley’s squad, but the game took an unexpected turn early. A costly fumble by running back Waymond Jordan handed Illinois an early momentum shift.
The mistake also sparked a wave of criticism aimed directly at Riley. The sequence unfolded when Jordan took a direct snap on a short-yardage play. Jordan fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Illinois’ Jaheim Clarke.
For Riley, who has been under a spotlight since arriving at USC with big expectations, it became another moment fans latched onto as evidence of flaws in his coaching approach.
“Lincoln Riley overrated as hell.Get a big win and stop losing games. Illinois lost 10-63 last week and USC comes unprepared,” a fan wrote.
Lincoln Riley overrated as hell. Get a big win and stop losing games.Illinois lost 10-63 last week and USC comes unprepared.
— Antonios Edmonds (@AntoniosEdmonds) September 27, 2025
“Lincoln Riley b*tching and moaning and groaning all week about start time and his team looks like as* to start. I’m shocked,” another commented.“I have zero faith in Lincoln Riley going on the road and winning a physical game,” a fan posted.
“Lincoln Riley and losing big games is @BFW’s dynamic duo,” Barstool Gambling posted.
Lincoln Riley and losing big games is @BFW‘s dynamic duo@reeses pic.twitter.com/ZbojymSWnV
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) September 27, 2025
“At some point Lincoln Riley has to do a better job at recruiting on the defensive side of the ball,” a fan wrote.
“Sure, Lincoln Riley is to blame, but USC choked before he took over, too,” a fan defended Coach Riley.
With a massive contract and long-term commitment from the school, Lincoln Riley carries expectations not just to compete but to dominate. Any slip in execution, like Jordan’s turnover, fuels the narrative that he has yet to fully deliver on that promise.
Nick Saban on USC’s Defense
On ESPN’s College GameDay, Nick Saban talked about the USC Trojans. Saban focused mainly on their defense. He noted the Trojans already have 16 sacks and plenty of athletic playmakers. The real test, he said, will be whether they can hold up against power-running teams.
“Are they physical enough to hold up against the more physical running teams will be the big question for them,” Saban said.
Kirk Herbstreit added that defensive issues have followed Lincoln Riley since his Oklahoma days. While USC’s offense has never been in question, he pointed out that new coordinator D’Anton Lynn has brought improvement.
The challenge now is sustaining that level through the grind of travel and tough matchups.
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