Lincoln Riley Causes Controversy With Decision On USC Trojans' Captains

The USC Trojans are gearing up for a big season coming off a tough year. Ahead of week one, USC coach Lincoln Riley announced the Trojans' plans for the captains this season. Riley's announcement caused controversy among fans.

Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

With the college football season quickly approaching, the USC Trojans are gearing up for a big season. USC is coming off a tough year, only winning six games in the regular season, but they did go on to win a bowl game. USC coach Lincoln Riley has a lot to prove, and the year is already starting with mixed reviews from the fans.

Ahead of the season, Riley revealed that the team will be rotating captains on a weekly basis. Riley and the Trojans used this method in 2024, bringing it back for the 2025 season. The announcement has come with mixed reviews.

Positive Reviews Of Rotating Captains

Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Having done the weekly basis option last season, Riley and the staff liked how it went and are choosing to continue with that model. One important note is that players can be named starters multiple times throughout the season.

“We’re gonna stay on a weekly basis. We were happy with how that played out. You know, we had some guys that were captains a lot, but it’s going to be on kind of 'What have you done for the team lately?'” Riley said via USC Athletics. 

One interpretation of naming different captains each week is that it is a way of holding players accountable each week. If a player is not performing at a high level or showing consistency as a leader, they would not be guaranteed a captain just because they were the week prior.

Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) participates in pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

“It gave some different guys an opportunity to step up. And then also, if you are a captain, that doesn’t mean ‘Well, I’m just gonna be one next week just because I was elected one in August,'” Riley continued. “If you’re a great leader, then that leadership ought to get better and improve, and that ought to be consistent, and you know, those guys ought to be held accountable just like any other position battle.”

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By naming captains each week, players have to work to earn the role, and players who continue to prove themselves can also be continuously named a captain. It also shows the staff sees the work the players are putting in on and off the field.

Negative Reviews Of Rotating Captains

Oct 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

While Riley and the team believe naming starters on a weekly basis was a smart idea, it has caused controversy across social media. There has also been a negative reaction, as USC fans are concerned about the decision.

One belief is that by naming captains ahead of time and sticking with them throughout the season, there is a consistent group of players for the rest of the team to turn to. By being named captain for the year, the group of athletes are held to a higher standard and are setting an example for the rest of the team.

Hate everything about that. Look at any elite unit or team across the world. They have captains. Military, sports, all of it. We’re really overthinking things here https://t.co/ALsJrkt33f

— The Trojan Blade (@TheTrojanBlade) August 21, 2025

Another negative connotation with not naming set captains is that people believe it means the Trojans football team lacks leadership, and no couple of players are standing out among the group

With the viewpoint of there being a lack of leadership, it could be a concern for USC fans to see the team rotating captains again. The Trojans are coming off a 7-6 season and are unranked heading into 2025. 

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC wide receiver Makai Lemon speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

The program has a lot to prove, and only time will tell if rotating captains will benefit the team. No matter the captains, USC does have a talented roster heading into 2025, with many players having the potential to have a breakout season. 

The USC Trojans will kick off the 2025 college football season against the Missouri State Bears on Aug. 30 at 4:30 p.m. PT.