The USC Trojans recently wrapped up their 2025 season with a 9-4 record, and head coach Lincoln Riley is now entering into a crucial phase in his tenure. After a solid first year at the helm, where he made significant improvements to the Trojans’ offense, Riley is now tasked with fixing the team’s weaknesses and solidifying their position as a top contender in college football. With the recent announcement of two new coaching hires, including a former New England Patriots staffer, Riley is making it clear that he is ready to take on the challenge and lead the Trojans to even greater success.
One area that stood out as a weakness for the Trojans in the 2025 season was their defense. Despite their overall record, the Trojans struggled on the defensive side of the ball, giving up an average of 26 points per game. This was a significant drop from the previous season, where the Trojans’ defense was one of their strongest assets. As a result, Riley has made it a priority to address this issue and make the necessary changes to improve their defensive performance.
To do so, Riley has made a bold move by hiring a former New England Patriots staffer to join his coaching staff. This hire is significant as the Patriots are known for their strong defensive strategies and have consistently been one of the top defensive teams in the NFL. This move shows that Riley is not afraid to bring in outside talent and is willing to do whatever it takes to elevate the Trojans’ defense to a championship level.
The newly hired defensive coach brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Trojans. He has worked closely with some of the best defensive players in the NFL and has a deep understanding of defensive strategies and techniques. With his help, Riley is confident that the Trojans’ defense will see a significant improvement in the upcoming season.
But the changes don’t stop there. Riley has also been working on a foundational level to strengthen the Trojans’ defense. He has been analyzing game footage and studying the team’s performance to identify areas of weakness and develop a game plan to address them. This attention to detail and hands-on approach is a testament to Riley’s dedication and commitment to the Trojans’ success.
In addition to the defensive changes, Riley has also made some adjustments on the offensive side. He has brought in new recruits and promoted underclassmen to key positions, creating a more well-rounded and dynamic offense. This balance between offense and defense is crucial in building a championship-winning team, and it is evident that Riley is focused on achieving this for the Trojans.
Furthermore, Riley’s proactive approach has not gone unnoticed by the Trojans’ players. They have already expressed their excitement and confidence in the new coaching hires and are eager to see the changes on the field. This positive attitude and trust in their coach will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team’s performance and morale.
The 2025 season may have been a learning experience for Riley and the Trojans, but it has also set the stage for their future success. With the recent coaching announcements and the foundational changes being made, the Trojans are poised to come back stronger and more determined than ever before. The bar has been set high for the upcoming season, and Riley is ready to prove that the Trojans are a force to be reckoned with in college football.
In conclusion, it is clear that Lincoln Riley is fully committed to the USC Trojans and their success. He has wasted no time in identifying and addressing the team’s weaknesses, and his strategic coaching decisions are evidence of his determination to bring the Trojans to the top. With the addition of a former Patriots staffer and the foundational changes being made, the Trojans’ defense is set to become a force to be reckoned with. The 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Trojans and their fans, as they enter the ‘prove it’ phase with Lincoln Riley at the helm.
