Lincoln Riley is trying to shut down all the rumors swirling around him about a potential USC exit following the 2025 season. The speculation about a departure emerged earlier this week when ESPN college football analyst Josh Pate suggested that Riley could be on the hot seat or leave the school, cryptically saying “Let’s just keep an eye on Lincoln Riley at USC.” On Friday night, Riley tried to make clear that he wants to be in Southern California. “You guys know what I sacrificed to come here.