Thu Jul 17 00:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Finebaum Puts Lincoln Riley in the Hot Seat: USC Coach Faces Intense Pressure in 2025**
**July 10, 2025** – Renowned ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum has identified USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley as the coach facing the most pressure heading into the 2025 season.
During a segment on ESPN’s “Get Up!” Thursday, Finebaum didn’t mince words when asked which coach had the most to prove in the upcoming year. “Lincoln Riley,” he stated emphatically. “And you asked the question, why? Because he has simply underperformed.”
Finebaum acknowledged Riley’s “pretty decent first year” at USC but emphasized the “very rocky” period that followed. He suggested that only Riley’s hefty $80 million buyout is preventing his departure. “Even for Southern Cal, that might be too much money,” Finebaum added.
The Trojans, set to kick off their season against Missouri State on August 30th at 7:30 p.m. E.T., are under immense pressure to deliver a successful season, particularly as they navigate the challenges of the Big Ten Conference.
Riley’s performance in 2025 will be closely scrutinized, with many wondering if he can turn the tide and justify the significant investment USC has made in him.
First Piper 