"There's no identity": Heisman winner Matt Leinart shares his opinion on the current reality of USC under Lincoln Riley

Following USC's 35-49 loss to No. 5 Notre Dame in the regular season finale, former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Matt Leinart expressed concern about the program's current situation. The Trojans ended their first season in the Big Ten with a 6-6 record, falling far below the fans' expectations.

The season marked another disappointing one under Lincoln Riley after finishing 7-5 in 2023. Poised to see his alma mater return to its place in college football, Matt Leinart took to social media to share his candid thoughts, expressing skepticism about the program’s direction.

“Finish 6-6 and just really have no clue what we are? Who we are? There’s no identity,” Leinart wrote in a post on Sunday. “We have good players. Need to recruit harder. As frustrated as anyone. Want to see USC back to being a contender. Don’t think we are close at the moment.”

Will Lincoln Riley have a future at USC?

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley during an NCAA game. (Credits: IMAGN)

Lincoln Riley’s future at USC is in some doubt following another underwhelming season. The Trojans were victims of many tough losses this season, making it hard to judge the coach in some quarters. However, the athletic department has a decision to make this offseason.

Fans have increasingly voiced their frustration, feeling that the team has underperformed under Riley's leadership as he concludes his third season. Following the loss to No. 5 Notre Dame, the Trojans coach was asked about the team's future direction but declined to comment.

“This game finished 20 minutes ago. So we’ve got time to go here,” Riley said. “I know there’s time for that and I get to answer all those, that’s part of being the head coach and I don’t shy away from it, but this is about this team and this moment, these guys that played their last game here at the Coliseum.”

“I could sit up here for an hour and talk about the things I know are happening within this program, I could rattle off all the stats, I could show you facilities, I could show you recruiting, I could show you the staff, I could go on about that for an hour, I just don’t think it’s the appropriate time right now.”

There is a good chance Riley might get another season at the helm at USC and attempt to make things right. However, the Trojans fanbase's confidence in him when he took the job three years ago has dropped significantly. The coach needs to win the trust of the fans back with results on the field if he gets another season.