College football is changing fast. Transfer portal madness, NIL deals and conference moves are shaking up everything fans know. But USC coach Lincoln Riley isn’t worried about where the sport is headed.
Riley sees opportunity where others see problems. While critics worry about college football becoming unrecognizable, the Trojans coach believes the changes are actually making things better for fans and players alike.
Lincoln Riley Urges Fans to Embrace Change and Focus on College Football’s Bright Future
Riley gets why fans are upset about losing traditional rivalries and regional matchups. He grew up watching Texas football and the Big 12, so he understands the emotional connection to the old ways.
“I understand because I possess some of the same feelings, right? Like you said, we grew up, you know, Texas football, you know, the Big 12 Conference” Riley said. “It was more of a regional game.”
But Riley thinks fans need to move forward instead of looking backward. “It’s a new era. There are some changes that we’ve all just got to accept because it’s just part of it right now” he explained.
The USC coach sees new possibilities emerging from all the chaos. “But I think any door that closes well there’s also a new really exciting door that’s getting opened” Riley said.
Riley pointed to exciting new matchups that weren’t possible before, like USC playing Michigan in the Big Ten. These games create fresh storylines and rivalries that could become just as meaningful as the old ones.
His optimism is notable given USC’s recent struggles. The Trojans went 7-6 in 2024, their first Big Ten season, which was disappointing after high expectations. Riley’s overall record at USC is 25-14 across three seasons.
When asked if college football’s rapid changes concern him, Riley was direct “It really doesn’t. I mean if you love college football then are you going to scroll on your TV past, you know, USC-Ohio State, you know, like at the end, No, no, you’re not.”
Riley defended the sport’s current direction by focusing on what matters most which is great games. “Our sport’s in a great place, and I think anybody that thinks anything other than that — I know there’s a lot going on with scheduling. I know everybody’s got an opinion on NIL, rev share, and the settlement. I get it.” Riley said.
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“But despite all that we still have one of the greatest products in the greatest sport in the world. Let’s don’t forget that” he added.
Riley’s message is simple, stop worrying about what college football used to be and start enjoying what it’s becoming. While others complain about change, he’s embracing the new opportunities and encouraging fans to do the same.
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