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Lincoln Riley was left for dead at USC. Then he stunned Ohio State

Lincoln Riley’s USC program faced mounting pressure after a disappointing loss to Wisconsin, with fans and analysts questioning his future. The Trojans needed a statement win to salvage their season, and they delivered against No.

2 Ohio State in a 30-18 upset. USC’s offense, led by freshman standouts Trent Mosley and Mark Bowman, dominated from the start, with Mosley’s 69-yard touchdown reception on the game’s second play setting the tone.

The Trojans overpowered Ohio State’s top-ranked defense, which had allowed just 13.4 points per game entering the matchup, while also exposing flaws in the Buckeyes’ offense. Quarterback Jeremiah Smith struggled after a strong first-quarter start, finishing with just 40 yards on four catches, and freshman QB Luke Fahey’s debut was marked by turnovers and hesitation.

USC’s defense, which had been vulnerable all season, held firm, while the Trojans’ running game—previously stagnant—found success against Ohio State’s front line. The victory marks a turning point for Riley, who now has a chance to quiet critics and keep his program alive in the College Football Playoff race.

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