USC Trojans Football: Lincoln Riley Closes Practice To Media For Remainder Of Season

The 4-4 USC Trojans announced on Monday night that the football program would be closing off practices to the media for the remainder of the season. There will be an interview block after practices, but the decision to further restrict media has spurned national pushback.

Oct 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley is interviewed by FOX reporter Allison Williams after the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

On Monday night, the USC Trojans football communications department announced that going forward, USC football will be closed during practices for the remainder of the season. Media availability will be permitted after each Tuesday and Wednesday practice, when coach Lincoln Riley, defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, and quarterback Miller Moss, as well as select players, will be available.

This announcement comes after the impressive Trojans 42-20 home victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Lincoln Riley and the Trojans closed their practice last week prior to the Rutgers. That decision sparked speculation of a quarterback controversy coming into the fold. Miller Moss and Jayden Maiava battled for the job during fall camp, but Miller Moss ultimately won the job and now ranks third in the Big Ten in passing yards.

Apr 23, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Miller Moss enters the field during the spring game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After a three-game skid, the Trojans found success after the week of closed practice, and maybe this is Lincoln Riley’s way of summoning positive energy or being superstitious. In any event, it’s caused a national uproar as analysts and fans alike are voicing their displeasure at the decision to further restrict the media. 

USC only let reporters observe a few minutes at the beginning of practice and Lincoln Riley is ending that. It hinders our ability to tell better, more complete stories about the team. And less access doesn't stop fan criticism. https://t.co/6U37M1gyMJ

— Iliana Limón Romero (@LAT_Iliana) October 29, 2024

Ridiculous. Lincoln Riley may be the most anti-free press coach in the nation.

And here I am thinking that the 15 minutes Chip Kelly gave UCLA reporters to watch practice was too short.

You’re not losing because the press is watching. You’re losing because of your shortfalls. https://t.co/xAmVq96YC0

— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) October 29, 2024

USC was the most open program in the country when it was the most dominant, under Pete Carroll. Didn’t care who watched them practice. They’d still kick ass. https://t.co/LVjOWTcCR0

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 29, 2024

The 4-4 USC Trojans take the field on the road against the 4-4 Washington Huskies this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. PT on the Big Ten Network. 

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