Lincoln Riley Sends Heartfelt Message to USC Fans Ahead of Rivalry Week

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley urged fans not to give up on the season after the Oregon Ducks loss, calling for a united Coliseum as USC looks to finish 9-3 and stay perfect at home against the UCLA Bruins.

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley isn’t surrendering the season. Not after a tough road loss at Oregon, and not with the College Football Playoff all but out of reach. Even with three losses closing the playoff door, Riley refuses to let frustration seep into the locker room or the fanbase.

Instead, he wants USC supporters locked in for one final push as the Trojans return to the Coliseum, where they remain a perfect 6-0, to host the struggling UCLA Bruins during Rivalry Week. His message was direct: don’t give up on this team now.

Riley Calls on USC Fans to Rally for Rivalry Week

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Riley didn’t use his postgame platform to vent about Oregon or lament the missed playoff window. Instead, he shifted the conversation toward what USC still has to play for. When asked what message he wanted to send to fans after the loss, he emphasized support, gratitude, and a renewed push heading into the season’s biggest rivalry game.

“This has been an inspiring team to watch all year,” Riley said. “Show up next week. USC vs. UCLA, show your appreciation for this team and the way they have fought. We are just going to keep getting better and better. They've been awesome all year, and we've played phenomenally at home. We look forward to seeing them at the Coliseum next Saturday.”

That response underscored the tone he wanted: not discouragement, but unity. USC’s perfect home record has been the backbone of their season, and Riley made it clear he wants the Coliseum as loud as it’s been all year.

Why Riley Still Sees Success in USC’s Season

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley speaks with the official during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Later, Riley was asked whether a season with three losses and little hope of playoff contention could still be considered a success. Instead of downplaying the team’s shortcomings, he pointed to the competitive nature of every game and the opportunity still in front of them. His tone was measured and direct, not defensive.

“I get the question, but the season is not over,” he said. “We have a game next week. We are going to get ready for UCLA. We have won a bunch of games this year. The ones we haven't won, we have been right there. We have a great opportunity to get win number nine this week. That is what we are going to put our focus on.”

The numbers support his view. USC has been outscored 110-85 in its three losses, just over a touchdown per game. And each defeat turned on one or two key moments:

- Illinois: A first-drive fumble gifted the Illini an early touchdown, and USC couldn't hold its late lead.

- Notre Dame: Seconds after taking a 24-21 advantage, the Trojans surrendered a 100-yard kickoff return that shifted all momentum.

- Oregon: A Jayden Maiava interception led to a Ducks touchdown, followed by an 85-yard punt return that pushed the lead to 21-14. Outside those swings, USC matched Oregon score for score.

Riley’s claim that USC has been “right there” isn’t spin. It’s the reality of how this season has unfolded.

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MORE: Oregon Coach Dan Lanning Gives USC Credit After Beating the Trojans 

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UCLA Arrives After a Collapse at the Rose Bowl

Nov 23, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) stiff arms UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during the second quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The Trojans now welcome a UCLA team searching for answers after being dominated 48–14 by Washington at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins managed only 207 yards, struggled on third down, and surrendered four touchdowns to Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Never once did they threaten to make it competitive.

At 3-8 and reportedly heading to SoFi Stadium next season, the Bruins arrive with little momentum. USC, meanwhile, leads the all-time series 50-34-7 and is 2-1 against UCLA under Riley with a chance to close the regular season undefeated at home.

Why Riley’s Message Matters Now

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After a draining road loss, Riley's message was simple and heartfelt: stand with this team. USC hosts UCLA next Saturday with a chance to secure a ninth win and protect their perfect home record. Riley believes the Trojans will rise to the moment. And he believes the Coliseum will rise with them.