Josh Pate, a well-known college football insider, recently shared his thoughts on the USC Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley during an episode of his show, Josh Pate’s College Football Show. Pate’s analysis raised eyebrows as he pointed out a troubling trend: the Trojans have been winning fewer games each season since Riley’s arrival in 2022.
USC’s Declining Performance Under Riley
Pate highlighted the stark contrast in USC’s performance over the past three years, stating, "I haven’t bailed on Lincoln Riley, but they are coming off a 7-6 year, and I’m looking at the three years he’s been there: 11-3 (2022) to 8-5 (2023) to 7-6 (2024). You know what they call that on the streets? They call that regression or something worse." This regression raises questions about the direction of the program and the effectiveness of Riley’s leadership.
Staffing Issues and Their Impact
Delving deeper into the challenges faced by USC, Pate pointed out that part of the team’s struggles can be traced back to Riley’s initial staffing decisions. "If Lincoln Riley were here and his voice was shot and he needed me to speak for him, I could tell the tale," Pate remarked. He emphasized that Riley hired poorly when he first joined the program, which he recognized almost immediately but hesitated to rectify. "He probably stuck with them a bit too long," Pate added, highlighting the potential missteps in the coaching staff’s composition.
Signs of Improvement on the Horizon
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Trojans. Pate noted that Riley has taken steps to amend his earlier mistakes over the past year. "He has realized the error of his ways. He has changed staff. There was immediately a return on that investment defensively this past year," Pate explained. This shift suggests that Riley is committed to turning the program around, but the clock is ticking.
The Pressure is On for the Upcoming Season
As USC prepares for the 2025 season, the pressure on Lincoln Riley intensifies. Pate believes that the upcoming year is critical for the program’s future. "It’s year four. If we’re not significantly improved record-wise, you know what we are running the risk of? We’re running the risk of falling off the radar," he cautioned. The stakes are high, and Riley’s reputation as a head coach hangs in the balance.
Concerns About Energy and Recruitment
Adding to the urgency of the situation, Pate expressed concerns about the current energy surrounding the USC program. "This upcoming year, I mean recruiting does not feel elite with them," he stated. "It’s okay. It’s not elite. The energy around the program is very suspect from an outsider’s perspective." For fans, this lack of enthusiasm can be disheartening, especially when the program has such a storied history.
Pate’s observations raise an important question: Can USC regain its status as a powerhouse in college football? The answer may depend on how well Riley can harness the talent available and instill a renewed sense of purpose within the team.
The Road Ahead for USC
Looking ahead, the Trojans will kick off their 2025 season against the Missouri State Bears on August 30. This game will serve as a litmus test for the changes implemented by Riley and his staff. Will the adjustments lead to a resurgence, or will the team continue to struggle? The upcoming season is poised to be a pivotal moment for USC, and fans are eager to see how it unfolds.
In summary, the USC Trojans are at a crossroads. With Lincoln Riley at the helm, the program has experienced a decline in performance, raising concerns about its future. However, there are signs of hope as Riley makes necessary changes to his coaching staff. The pressure is mounting for the upcoming season, and the energy surrounding the program will be crucial in determining its success. As the Trojans prepare for their season opener, all eyes will be on them to see if they can reclaim their place among college football’s elite.
