USC’s football program faced a harsh reality on Saturday night when the Trojans fell 27‑13 to the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington. The loss not only dropped the Trojans to 7‑3 on the season but also appears to have eliminated any realistic chance of reaching the College Football Playoff.
Keyshawn Johnson’s reaction
Former Trojan wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Keyshawn Johnson took to X to voice his frustration. In a video posted shortly after the game, Johnson said, “I tried my best, but in all honesty, though, it’s time to – you know what I mean? It’s just time to find somebody else.” He added, “I’m sorry, man. I don’t even know what to say. Where did we go wrong here? It’s unbelievable. I just don’t even know what to say.” Johnson concluded with a subdued “Fight On,” but his tone made clear his disappointment with the outcome.
Game recap
The Trojans entered the second half tied with Indiana at 10‑10. However, USC managed only three points after halftime while the Hoosiers surged ahead, scoring 17 unanswered points to secure the victory. The defeat follows a high‑point earlier in the season when Riley’s squad upset Ohio State, a win that had propelled USC upward in the CFP rankings.
Implications for Lincoln Riley
Riley, hired in November 2021, now faces intensified scrutiny. This marks his third season with three losses, and critics have already begun questioning his future with the program. The loss to Indiana comes after a promising 30‑18 home win over Ohio State that sparked optimism for a late‑season surge toward a national title run.
USC’s remaining schedule includes an unranked matchup against Maryland, followed by a final regular‑season game against No. 4 UCLA, a contest that could have served as a season‑defining showdown. With the CFP hopes likely gone, the focus shifts to how the Trojans finish the year and whether Riley will remain at the helm for the next season.
Looking ahead
While the Trojans aim to end the season on a positive note, the pressure on Riley’s staff is mounting. Alumni, fans, and former players like Johnson are urging the university’s athletic leadership to consider a coaching change if the program cannot quickly return to national contention. The upcoming games will provide a final test of the team’s resilience and a potential platform for Riley to demonstrate his ability to rebound.
USC’s athletic department has not yet issued an official response to Johnson’s comments. As the season draws to a close, the conversation surrounding the future of the Trojans’ coaching staff is expected to intensify, with stakeholders weighing the balance between loyalty to Riley’s past successes and the desire for a fresh direction.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
