USC-Texas A&M Reaction: 2025 Predictions for Lincoln Riley & USC | Colin Cowherd College Football

[@seanbates282]

As Trojan fan I can say we definitely have the right Defensive coordinator now Riley needs to understand USC needs to be a power run team and let that offensive line get physical

[@jacobguidry5538]

U hit the nail on the head!!!

[@roris5882]

They still can't tackle in open space.

[@6lazn220]

@@roris5882 what? there were so many open field tackles by USC. just blown coverages this game. The only teams that have scored over 30 points against USC this season was Penn State, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M. That's a defensive win in my opinion in comparison to last year.

[@GruneD]

@@roris5882this year the tackling improved drastically. Not perfect but man, much better.

[@jacobguidry5538]

@ what team can anymore

[@dantewilliams2984]

Losing Zach wasn't a big deal, he was below average at best this year. But losing Q in the backfield hurt

[@ryangandy1127]

100%

[@succeedforevercommunity9857]

Nah, next man up was fine. Our run game came together. I felt like we needed Duce out there. Ford did alright but it could have been better..

[@ohnonotagain1234]

As a Notre Dame fan that take is so dumb about avoiding ND. Some years were bad and USC is good and it’s a free win for them too. The point is every year we get to see the matchup and traditions is what CFB is about. Campus is so fun during that week the hate/respect ratio is real

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

USC Fan here and I Totally Agree!👍💯 ND / USC Rivalry is one of CFB 🏈 Most "Elite Classic" Rivalry in all Sports! ✌️

[@soota6083]

USC fan and I agree with Colin. No reason why USC should be punished by perpetually scheduling a tough matchup vs ND. ND should go join a conference honestly. They need the game more than SC does.

[@vincentfreeman6257]

@@soota6083 Disagree. The SC/ND game is the best inter-sectional rivalry. With a 12 team playoff, its a win for both teams' strength of schedule. As a USC fan, long live the matchup.

[@roris5882]

So when is ND going to join the B1G?

[@lawrencesmith9059]

USC fan and I agree, keep the ND game. A true championship coach won't run from playing ND.

[@htvlogs80]

It’s be cool if Pete Carroll became SC’s GM. I say give it a shot.

[@kindnessmatters0881]

Was at the game last night, and the fans brought it!!!

[@paulli2390]

Colin, if you have the power to convince Lincoln to hire a real GM and feed Jackson 20+ carries a game, please do so -> you'd be a Trojan legend. Any normal fan sees the same stuff, he is just too stubborn.

[@Kasu-AL]

LR is so stubborn fans a begging and pleading ‘just run the ball’ I was happy how he called this game though. Now let’s go get a GM!!

[@dantewilliams2984]

Jayden played absolutely TERRIBLE. IDC what he did the last qtr and a half, HAVE to go get another QB.

[@tedjohnson7485]

Lincoln Riley always moves away from the running game. USC does great running the ball. Then Riley switches to throwing the ball. For no reason. And USC stops scoring.

[@TheFilmSpace1]

Ja’kobi Lane and Lemon are STUDS!!! They will be round 1 or round 2 picks next draft in 2026. Ja’kobi could be the next Chase or Lamb

[@brianhenley9314]

# 1 in the nation next yr !!!!

[@TheFilmSpace1]

@@brianhenley9314yeah Lane is a stud coming

[@brianhenley9314]

@TheFilmSpace1 and re-watch it Limon has the best hands I've seen in along time he catches everything with his hands he's going to be very special! First round NFL PICK !!!!

[@TheFilmSpace1]

Don’t forget Jakeem Stewart. He’s a beast. Looks like Micah Parsons. 5 star ⭐️ Matai Tagoa'i is also a stud coming in

[@gordonames1892]

STEWART LOOKS LIKE A YOUBF LEONARD WILLIAMS

[@buckeyeawesome69]

Colin might be the only one who treats USC like they’re an elite program and constantly talks about them

[@EmmaKing30]

Because they are & thousands of Trojan fans will click to watch this.

[@831jperry]

USC is an elite program that’s why. they’re building back up and watching growth happen is cool, you can’t snap your fingers and make a team great out of nowhere(insert Indiana here). Culture takes time.

[@KFBALL247]

Collin has next level delusion when it comes to USC. They are a dumpster fire.

[@NBAforlife8]

Imagine a buckeye fan commenting on USC like they were the only ones to lose to Michigan..oh wait. Ohio State has won nothing of note under Ryan Day 😂

[@brianjacob8728]

all usc needs is a real head coach

[@Kyle_Wells]

Before the Notre Dame game, USC had lost 5 games by a combined total of 19 points, and even the ND game felt much closer than the final score reflected. There is a point where “you are what your record says you are,” BUT, when all of your losses are by such slim margins, you can confidently say that you’re better than your record reflects.

[@oldtimer5316]

It's an indication of poor coaching.

[@Surinder1964]

How about winning with smaller margin and then people will your record say something

[@johnwhite2576]

Umm no you can’t : stop the denial .

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

@@Kyle_Wells Totally Agree! 👍💯 This USC team was definitely better than their record. Well Said KW....

[@jameslynch4042]

You're not giving Riley enough credit for what they did last night. Everyone was saying USC was a dumpster with players transferring. The announcers were focused on Reed but I'd take Malava. Did you watch what he did against Notre Dame. USC's defense is much improved. They just need to pick up a few more defensive players & next year they'll be dangerous.

[@justingrundmann7962]

😂🤣 delusional

[@kbrewski1]

Lmfao. What they did was give up 49 points and the game was never in doubt.

[@erikramos4820]

Stop it maiava is not the answer if Longstreet is a real 5 star he will beat him out next year maiava makes bone head plays way too much

[@vincentfreeman6257]

I saw that he threw 2 late 4th qtr pick sixes. That was the difference in the game.

[@roris5882]

Maybe Lincoln Riley needs another 5' munchkin QB that runs around and chucks bombs, when his defense isn't getting exposed.

[@OSU2010]

USC clapping SEC out here😂 LSU and A&M can’t wait for the excuses

[@roris5882]

To be fair, the SEC is overrated this season. They definitely aren't as dominant as they used to be. That's why the SEC keeps getting exposed.

[@cobrakaiisback4709]

@@roris5882 Southern Cal beat the 7th and 8th best team in the SEC this year and wants to beat their chest like they can compete with the SEC. Go do that to Georgia Alabama Tennessee South Carolina Texas or Ole Miss please.

[@jp-uno]

​@@cobrakaiisback4709 USC is raked worse in the B1G so shouldn't a better ranked SEC team dominate them? Don't move the goalposts now. 🤷‍♂️

[@theomegaman218]

@@cobrakaiisback4709Georgia is going to lose 😂. They’re over rated .

[@RJMEL24]

Don’t see any posting by the SEC elitists who have been bashing every conference saying they are the only true power conference and should have had 5 teams in the CFP playoffs. What a bunch of crap.

[@leewilcox5848]

When the passing game is not going well Lincoln Riley takes it as a reflection on him, he needs to just run the football to set the tone.

[@jamesquan702]

Well his clock mgmt is a head scratcher.

[@tboyosborne]

It called head scratch football 🏈 win

[@catsailor8621]

💥🎯💯💪‼️

[@JohnSturgell]

Fight on. 2-0 against SEC.

[@roris5882]

The SEC stinks this season.

[@davidmedina2823]

Not wanting to play Notre Dame is heresy.

[@Hexx--13]

As an SC follower, I recognize SC has some good pieces, but I'm also realistic. The gears are beginning to turn, but it will take a while. The BIG-10 needs to realize the program will not be down forever.

[@roris5882]

The B1G realizes USC will be mediocre as long as Lincoln Riley is their head coach.

[@johnwhite2576]

We will never compete for a natty with Riley. He is a pass addicted play caller and absolutely positively the worst clock manager in d 1 football .

[@jiordone8563]

Riley is a very overrated coach, especially with his feel for the game. This was noticeable to me in his first season at USC.

[@errolmclaughlin1482]

Agreed. That end of the first half series time mgmt was small town JV football.

[@TheFilmSpace1]

Hudson Longstreet is a stud!! He’s the 5 star they are bring in. He looks like CJ Stroud or Herbert

[@catsailor8621]

@TheFilmSpace1 Husan…yes he is‼️👊🍻

[@bfigs1235]

Bruh do not ruin one of the greatest rivalries in sports by taking ND off the schedule. L take 👎🏻

[@NickMac91]

USC stops playing Notre Dame I stop watching college football cause it would be officially dead at that point.

[@roris5882]

It just sounds like a tactic to finally get ND to join the B1G because they need the USC rivalry because they aren't making the playoffs beating up on the service academies and leftover ACC teams, after FSU, Clemson, Miami, and UNC leave.

[@RJMEL24]

USC can fill their schedule with BIG elite teams including Oregon and won’t miss ND in the least.

[@Peterho-fc4rs]

A master class in synopsizing the good the bad the ugly. Fight on!

[@HolyBucketsYT]

Upgrade at tight end? Mcree was pretty good and we used him a lot last year. Im not a fan of Maiava. Hes a good player, but Riley can make any QB look 'good'. He is not an excellent QB. Riley needs a T5 QB in the county to compete. Riley doesnt make use of his legs and the dude stares down receivers like hes in an interview.

[@bryce8418]

Colin is such a USC homer and I LOVE IT!! Fight on ✌️

[@asianwoof]

I think winning that game against TAMU, down by 17 late in the 3rd quarter, is the kind of confidence builder for both the team and Maiava that was needed to put the ND loss and the close-but-not-good-enough season behind them.

[@831jperry]

Fight on ✌🏽

[@RDUB57]

A lot of talk about Quinn Ewers coming to USC if he doesn’t go to the NFL. Talked to my friends who live just outside of Austin, big UT fans, that’s what they are all saying, if you’re going to better yourself, you play for the “QB Guru.” I don’t think it’s about money with him, I think it’s about making himself a better quarterback, mechanics, fundamentals, game management, the entire package, “Heisman.”

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

@@RDUB57 Quinn Ewers would be a good Depth player for any teams looking to bolster the QB Depth Chart✌️

[@tonymata2]

I just heard the same thing today, Notre Dame is talking to him too. He already has NIL money already. if he wants a career and not just a taste of the NFL, he will take the job at USC in 2025

[@derekdemarco28]

Get on The USC "L" Train in 2025 - Lemon, Lane and Longstreet. Fight On!

[@USCcraig1991]

Fight on ✌️✌️ love the show Colin

[@oldtimer5316]

That's mediocre still!

[@JohnGuzman-s4q]

Sc absolutely needs a GM fasure and Riley just needs to run the ball more that's it

[@ChadHarrisUSC]

Great recap! Just layin the cards on the table. Appreciated. Fight on

[@Lukaskeel]

The possible transfer qb he’s taking about - It’s got to be Ewers, right?

[@tonymata2]

Very preceptive and knowledgeable, I hear the same thing about Ewers going to South Bend.

[@rickc.3552]

USC needs to be aggressive in the portal for a QB1

[@antoniopana45]

Maiava for 3 picks, never lost his composure when the game was on the line with less than 2 minutes left. After 3 picks he could of folded, but stood up to the challenge. Fight On ✌🏽

[@WORLDWIDESOCAL9]

how can u not mention USC 5 star incoming freshman QB husan Longstreet

[@elijahmullins4364]

Great segment Colin, hit the Gumbo up and bask in this glorious Saturday!

[@chrisweidner4768]

I brag to my brother how 3 SEC schools just beat teams with better records, and then A&M collapses. 🙄🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@OSU2010]

To many SEC getting clapped😂

[@oldtimer5316]

Doh... 😂😊

[@dantewilliams2984]

LINCOLN ALWAYS GOES AWAY FROM THE RUN...ALWAYS. We have the lowest run rate in all of college football. So it's not surprising, and it's the reason we miller struggled because we didn't protect him with the run...and the reason why we struggled as a team...The worst play calling and game management I've EVER SEEN!!!!

[@pzm958]

Colin - Seriously - Malaiva is junk at QB!! Really?? He's at 54% completion and thats only after improving late in the game!! Supposed to be mobile - but I do NOT see a running QB at all!!

[@huahin6149]

Why schedule potential loses. Sounds like the sec

[@Reboot1232]

Alabama played Auburn every year. USC hanging up on Notre Dame would be a slap to the sport. UCLA is not a top Big10 football all team. USC can manage playing Notre Dame. Players want the prime time games and the program should embrace the historic rivalry.

[@nathanbuuck7694]

As a notre dame fan the usc game is much more beneficial and important to ND than it is to USC

[@kaosaechao56]

Urban Myers as GM would be interesting

[@Al-Rudigor]

Nah, he's waiting on another spot to possibly open up. You know where that is. 😊

[@jcsoxx]

Well Cobb, Shaw, Arnold Bros. and a bunch of DBs will be moving on so that will help. The two ILB positions will be a lot better with Stephens, Newby and Gentry. Brian Jackson will wear teams out trying to tackle him, and I thought Peterson did a good job for his first real game. I think we will be a lot better from here on out. My best play of the year was Fords 7 yard TD, and that was Maiava's best pass.

[@larrybittke7760]

USC and Notre Dame have played each other for almost a century. It is the foremost intersectional rivalry in college football. I can’t buy into discontinuing that game.

[@robertbougher8820]

Good stuff here, appreciate the content.

[@andrewgundy3045]

Very good showing for Trojans, they just beat an SEC team with a bunch of their backups and freshmen. Good spring board into next season

[@jackpackage4278]

ND already ran away from their yearly matchup with Michigan, which hurts the whole sport because that’s basically a guaranteed great game every time, and now we might lose ND vs USC? That would suck.

[@izekosorio4138]

Just bring back Pete to do that be the gm of the program

[@nickchislom9499]

Pete wants to coach USC alum QB Williams in Chicago! So...

[@Rockyinlp]

He is the only one speaking logically. Cowherd hit the nail on the head. All this fire Riley talk, Cowherd pointed out, if they had more depth they easily could've won 3 more games if not 4 and have had a completely different season.

[@lawrencesmith9059]

USC is both so close and so far from being a good team and it all is about Lincoln Riley. They are making some good decisions on where they are investing their NIL money this year. They are very selective on who they bring in through the portal. Relying more on development from within the program. The o-line is proving can work. What I didn't hear Colin talk about enough is that Riley needs to become a better coach. Game management and play calling are part of it, but the bigger picture is he needs a winning strategy and leadership. When you celebrate a close win like this bowl game as a victory, you dont become a great program. Riley needs to look at this game and see all the ways in which they did not dominate and then look in the mirror and see how he can change his leadership to become a real championship coach.

[@nathanmccreery914]

Finally!, a commentator I can agree with. What I have been saying, O line is too small and we are too thin in the reserves - shallow bench. This problem has been brewing a long time. Recruiting for hotrod running backs and shiny qb’s. We should have been getting stout O and D linemen, and athletic safety’s and linebackers. BTW, why are Cali guys smaller? Diet! Tx, Ok, Ala, Ga etc raised on pork Cho’s and steaks, not veggie tales.

[@831jperry]

@@nathanmccreery914 we surf and play 7 on 7 that’s why we are smaller 😂 the game still needs fast guys and great QB’s. That’s what California brings to the game.

[@bnstyle101]

If I hear the term “playable tackles” by Colin one more time I’m gonna jump

[@OSU2010]

ND just needs to join the Big 10 already

[@christopher7824]

They'll never be rugged enough under Lincoln Reilly to compete for Big 10 titles. Just put Pete Carroll back where he belongs.

[@BigDaddyDoc93]

Riley has got to get this thing on track and agree 💯 that they have got to get a general manager type to take care of the noise so the coaches can coach and the same goes for every school and I really believe thats what Bellicheck is gonna bring to NC and everyone else will follow his lead so all of these extra football problems everyone has had will start to be solved

[@jeffsharp2981]

Riley doesn’t develop linemen….never has…will always be his Achilles heel…Midwest and Northern states understand what it takes up front when the wind is blowing, and the temp drops

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

@@jeffsharp2981 What Riley Can do is hire an Elite O-Line Coach to be responsible for the development of Offensive Linemen. Regardless of the weather conditions for both teams.🥶🥵

[@m.pitt765]

Fight On Colin Peace & Blessing this Holiday Season& Happy New Year to You & Family.✌️❤

[@ThePlaton20]

Pre-season Colin: "USC will finish no worse than 3rd in the Big 10!" Post-season Colin after USC finishes #10 in the Big 10: "USC's future is brighter than ever, let's celebrate!" LMAO

[@brentoniverson1020]

Imagine if Husan Longstreet is close to Texas A&M QB Reed athletically speaking. Nice win and come back for Jayden Maiava. ✌️💪🏿🏈

[@rwrae72]

Thank you for being such a loyal Trojan fan! Who cares what the haters think?

[@jamalj1]

They will be 8-4 next year we all know this

[@FrontierTravels25]

Facts on a GM, desperately needed.

[@roris5882]

How does Riley not have a GM like every other big time program? Maybe he should stop pretending to be an OC and be a head coach.

[@FrontierTravels25]

@ you’re absolutely correct on all accounts. I think it’s Riley is slow to change (think Grinch) and the SC administration isn’t strong enough in approach. College is now officially semi-pro and you have to treat it as such. Spot on, he needs to choose he a head coach or an OC, I personally think part of his time management is shit because he’s trying to do too much.

[@Diegocurt73]

USC fans can now all agree…SEC is OVERRATED! 😂😂😂

[@andremurria3483]

USC beats a mid A&M team by a couple points and you think they’re going to “take off?”🤦🏾‍♂️🤣 Sports media sucks these days because they lead in overreacting.

[@joanlevis7857]

Colin. You are so much fun to listen to. Great analysis of our program. I hope USC is listening! Bravo! Well Done. Happy New Year.

[@trekranger]

I totally agree with the assessment of the QB. The problem with that is Riley doesn't run the ball enough and throws entirely to much.

[@790sports4]

In Cali we just don’t have big mama’s cooking too much pizza 🍕 hut and chick fillet 😂

[@clintongreenwood997]

Just say Quin Ewers

[@ggw151]

I’m sure the people in the USC program really appreciate Colin’s insights on the depth chart 😂

[@brianhenley9314]

Agree 100%

[@pg-mr7ucdd]

Anyone else like college football talk without getting too into the games themselves? That’s me!

[@rogersepulveda9842]

Thanks, Colin, for taking the time to talk just USC Football!

[@hamidborazjani2837]

Please talk about other teams too.stuck on USC & Oregan

[@marine76a]

Colin earned the gumbo

[@brianfreeman2569]

USC needs some fans to show up to games

[@MichaelGreenwayDelSolHS]

Agree with everything you said, except the Notre Dame take. USC should continue the series with the Irish!!

[@errolmclaughlin1482]

Lmao. You knew this video was coming ten seconds after the USC win. I’ve never seen a national guy stan for a program and coach so hard and be repeatedly wrong. It cringe laughable and embarassing. He’s trying sooo hard to make them relevant.

[@SamoanStrongLBC-cx4ef]

Don't be jealous cause Collins is a usc die hard fan since Legendary USC Coach Pete Carroll. Just wait till next year when USC wins the national championship and Jayden Maiava wins the Heisman. Collins going to be taking about USC 24/7😂. Fight On To Victory And Go Trojans ✌️ ☝️ 💪

[@HolyBucketsYT]

Dudes just from LA, has USC fans, and is prob a USC fan himself. He has his own company so he can do stuff like this. Not a big deal.

[@errolmclaughlin1482]

@@SamoanStrongLBC-cx4ef lol…jealous? My team is still playing in the playoff. National championship next year? 😂😂😂 you’re more delusional than he is. Your qb is a budget version of Tenn’s qb and OSU and Oregon are a PROBLEM

[@sublime006]

Fight on!

[@gilnetter]

CC, did you not attend the SC spring game? Jackson stood out, as did Kamryn Fountain, who's also gonna be a star. Hated to lose Joyner, but he did what he had to do. Maiava just looked out of sorts yesterday; first time this year. He's got all the tools, as you said, he just needs time and reps. GM? Yes, please. Someone in Riley's ear re: clock management? yes. Someone to convince Riley to run in obvious running situations way more often? Definitely. We're 8-4/9-3 this year if the guy would just commit to the run. Backs averaging 6 yds. per carry but he's 65%+ passing plays almost every game. As smart a coach as he is, something is just not right there. But he's our guy. As is D'Anton - keep him as long as humanly possible. Last, I agree with you, better times coming.

[@GetOuttaTheJohnBoy]

Non playoff bowls are shit-bowls. Don't read too much into it. I would point out a 6-6 BIG beat an 8-4 SEC.

[@ehansbrough593]

A.) Notre Dame is SC's biggest rivalry. CFB has undergone major changes in the past few years. USC does not need to further alienate their loyal fan base by taking ND off the schedule. B.) The main issue this season was QB1 play. Moss did not fit Riley's system, and he wilts with the game on the line. Jayden is both talented and clutch, but extremely raw. Whether it's Jayden or Longstreet starting next year, they will dictate how far this team will go. C.)The portal losses were significant, let's not pretend otherwise. Losing Zion Branch and Sam Greene hurt badly. Losing Joyner as our future RB1 hurt the worst. And Duce Robinson and Zach Branch were unique weapons that were suboptimally utilized. D.) We absolutely need a better, more professional GM. AD Cohen needs to make this happen. The Defense should be really good next year (EG, Ramsey, Kam Fountain, Shelby, Pierce...lots of talent and improved size on the interior DL). The offense has a lot of question marks from QB1 to RB1 to WR3 to overall identity. Time will tell...

[@ehansbrough593]

I would just add...I may be in the minority opinion, but the 12-team CFP format ain't it. Trying to emulate the NFL is a losing proposition for CFB.

[@nicoalexander774]

Is it possible that USC and Alabama could exchange their guys: Lincoln Riley and Kalen DeBoer?! I feel like that would work well for everyone! ❤ 🤔 💭

[@heartbreak25]

Worth exploring.

[@831jperry]

Shot of bourbon and gumbo sounds great 😂

[@user-zn8cy6xh2p]

D. Lynn for Head Coach of USC- Fight On!

[@MarioBuc]

Bryan Jackson is going to kick booty at Notre Dame. We are getting back to real USC football.

[@davidmann4315]

What SC really needs is an OC, not a GM.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

Fight On! Great win last night!

[@karlsfakelaugh]

No mention of Maiava's 3 INTs and batted-down passes. Moss looked much better a year ago. Colin has it backwards. If USC wants to make the playoff, the Notre Dame game is not the issue. Build a better program first.

[@michaelkraus4135]

GENTS please remember Riley CHOSE to build his team from the OUTSIDE IN as opposed to the INSIDE OUT like GOOD PROGRAMS DO ! OFF LINE & DEF LINE ..............ALWAYS COME FIRST !

[@jumpmasterpadre9335]

Why don’t you become the GM Colin, since you seem to have it all figured out??

[@drunkviggo7263]

He is a fraud 😂

[@troypwr]

Let's beg Sitake to give Riley some tips on how to be a winning head coach.

[@SCVIndy]

Great insights thx

[@WarPigs413]

Fight on Trojans

[@raveouscarlias4479]

You're still DEAD WRONG about the Notre Dame rivalry.

[@alfredmayes5005]

It begs the question why Tobias Raymond wasn’t playing over Murphy after the multiple blown assignments at right tackle that may have cost us two games. I can tell you this, coach Saban ain’t worried about feelings when it comes down to winning games. I just don’t get why it takes coach Riley so long to make these adjustments. Instead of 7-6 we could have been 9-4 or 10-3 with Raymond at right tackle. These coaches are getting paid too much money not to make better personnel decisions.

[@themagicpancakes]

We play Notes Dame EVERY year. This talk is unacceptable. I want the DOMERS EVERY YEAR!

[@devingrant8363]

Riley Leonard is going pro? 😆