"Would be no different": CFB world takes a clear stance on Lincoln Riley to UCF rumors, if he will leave USC

Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans seemingly could be ending up in a divorce as things stand. Their partnership has not been off to a great start three years in as the program went from winning double-digit games to now scrapping to make a bowl game with a 6-6 season this year.

According to a report from The Athletic on Wednesday, the UCF Knights have inquired about Lincoln Riley becoming their next coach. Social media users discussed how this could go for everyone involved.

"Interesting twist! Didn't have this on my bingo card. Could this end up playing out like Kiffin at FAU? Worth the call if you're UCF," one person commented.

"Would be no different," another tweeted.

However, other people took the approach of questioning why Lincoln Riley would "downgrade" from USC to join UCF. Others also joked about the reach that Central Florida might be making.

"May as well try for Jim Harbaugh and Andy Reid while they're at it," one commenter replied.

"He does have experience with willingly downgrading programs upon his own voilition. Can't rule anything out," someone posted.

The UCF Knights are without a coach as Gus Malzahn recently left to become the offensive coordinator for the Florida State Seminoles.

How much does Lincoln Riley have remaining on his contract with the USC Trojans?

Lincoln Riley signed a massive contract ahead of the 2022 season to leave the Oklahoma Sooners and become the coach of the USC Trojans. It has been reported that his contract was 11 years for $110 million, but with Southern California being a private school, it does not need to disclose contract information.

If the USC Trojans were to fire Lincoln Riley, it is believed that he would be owed somewhere in the ballpark of $90 million. If he were interested in going to the UCF Knights, the NFL or anywhere but USC, there's a chance the contract could be altered.

Riley doesn't owe any money back if he were to leave the Trojans, but the question arises of whether anyone can match his price as he was the fourth-highest-paid coach behind Kirby Smart, Dabo Swinney and Steve Sarkisian in 2024.