After falling to the TCU Horned Frogs in the Alamo Bowl last season, finishing 9-4, the USC Trojans are looking to take a step forward in their fifth year under coach Lincoln Riley. The 2026 season is considered make-or-break for Riley , as Trojan fans are desperate for USC to reach the College Football Playoff after coming up short last year. Since the CFP began in 2015, USC has remained one of the most storied programs in college football that has yet to make an appearance in the playoff, even with the expanded 12-team format and possibility of more teams added in the future.  Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A.…