As USC enters Lincoln Riley's fifth season as head coach, expectations remain high despite the team's lack of recent success. Riley, who previously led Oklahoma to multiple conference titles and playoff appearances, believes the program has now opened a 'championship window' after years of rebuilding and strategic investments. In a recent interview, Riley expressed confidence that USC has the talent, commitment, and focus necessary to contend for national titles in the near future.

While victories have yet to fully materialize, Riley emphasizes the work done by the school’s administration and coaching staff to elevate USC's football stature. He reflects on the challenges, acknowledges the rising competition, and highlights the importance of refining the team to reach a championship level. Critics point out that previous coaching successes often came quickly, but Riley notes the unique hurdles USC faces, including the NIL era and a demanding schedule. Looking ahead, Riley considers 2027 as a potential breakout year, though achieving the postseason in 2023 and 2024 might mean winning nine or ten games this season to stay on track.