USC Trojans Face $70 Million Decision on Lincoln Riley Buyout After Wisconsin Loss

The USC Trojans' blowout loss to Wisconsin has intensified calls for the program to fire head coach Lincoln Riley, a move that could cost as much as $70 million. The defeat underscores a troubling decline for a blueblood program that expects to compete for national championships, not struggle in conference play. Riley, once hailed as an offensive genius, has failed to deliver on the high expectations set upon his arrival from Oklahoma. With the Trojans' season spiraling, the financial burden of a buyout may be steep, but the cost of inaction could be even greater in terms of lost prestige, recruiting momentum, and fan support. USC now faces a pivotal decision that will shape the future of its football program for years to come.