USC fans demand Lincoln Riley firing after Oregon loss

USC suffered a 41-27 loss to the Oregon Ducks at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday night, September 27, 2026. The defeat, which saw the Trojans surrender 14 unanswered points after tying the game late, has intensified scrutiny on head coach Lincoln Riley's job security.

USC trailed by 10 points before rallying to tie the game at 27-27 in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Maiava to Tanook Hines. The comeback was short-lived. Oregon backup quarterback Dylan Raiola, who threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns, connected on a 29-yard scoring pass to put the Ducks ahead 34-27. With roughly eight minutes left and facing a fourth-and-7 at midfield, Riley opted to go for it instead of punting. Maiava's pass fell incomplete, handing Oregon a short field. The Ducks promptly scored a game-clinching touchdown. Maiava finished the night with 326 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-42 passing.

Fan reaction and calls for Riley's firing

Fans immediately took to social media to condemn the decision and demand Riley's dismissal. They directed their calls to athletic director Jennifer Cohen. One fan stated that Riley needed to go, citing not only the fourth-down call but also an earlier incident where a hit by USC's Desman Stephens sent an opponent to the hospital. The fan called the decision to go for it on fourth down with eight minutes left while down a touchdown indefensible. Another fan described a sense of finality as Riley walked off the field, calling the game a must-win that ended in a two-touchdown loss after a fourth-quarter tie. The loss was labeled an unacceptable turning point. Some referenced Riley's poor decisions from the previous season that cost the team wins, while others suggested the program might need a complete shutdown.

Riley's tenure and broader context at USC

The loss adds to mounting pressure on Riley, who is in his sixth season after being hired in 2021. He has five years and approximately $50 million remaining on his contract. After the game, Riley defended his team, saying they have a damn good football team. When questioned about why Stephens remained on the sideline after the controversial hit, Riley simply stated it was because Stephens is on the football team. He added that he did not see Stephens celebrating after the hit. Oregon coach Dan Lanning called the hit disgusting. Lanning also noted his team's third consecutive win over USC, suggesting that anyone in the area interested in winning football games should go to Oregon. The loss marked Oregon's fifth straight victory over USC and was the Trojans' first defeat at the Coliseum since 2024. Fans continue to call for Lincoln Riley's termination following the loss.