FALLEN: ESPN Doesn't Think Lincoln Riley Is One Of The Top 12 Head Coaches

Lincoln Riley’s coaching reputation faces a pivotal season after ESPN’s top head coaches poll leaves the USC Trojans’ leader outside the elite 12. Can Riley silence the critics and reclaim his spot among college football’s best? Marc Kulkin explores the national narrative, challenges the SEC-centric rankings, and debates the metrics behind placing names like Lane Kiffin, Mike Elko, and Steve Sarkisian above Riley. USC’s 2026 schedule offers a strategic edge—hosting powerhouses Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington at the Coliseum, where Riley boasts a dominant 50-7 home record. With a veteran offensive line and Heisman contender Jayden Maiava, the Trojans are poised for a playoff push if they protect home turf. Get insights into program-defining matchups, Chad Bowden’s influence, and the evolving landscape of college athletics, from NIL to conference realignment. Will USC’s perfect home run be the ticket back to national prominence? #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #AlexVanSumeren #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #USCTrojansnews #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER:   / marckulkincait