Paul Finebaum is not a fan of Lincoln Riley's USC tenure thus far.
After the Trojans failed to capture the magic from their Pac-12 years in their inaugural Big Ten season, Finebaum recently sent Riley a harsh ultimatum, needing little context to do so during a recent edition of "The Paul Finebaum Show."
“I do believe USC is capable because there is so much to offer there,” Finebaum said. “They just happen to have a fraud as their coach.”
This isn't the first time Finebaum has gone on the attack against Riley, but the SEC Network personality has clearly had enough.
“It's hard to imagine a coach doing worse with this level of talent and opportunity,” Finebaum said about Riley's tenure.
Finebaum previously said he was hopeful Riley would be the long-term answer in Hollywood, but he was proven incorrect. In the midst of a brutal first year in the newly expanded Big Ten, finishing 7-6, Riley again was criticized by Finebaum.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
"They went out and hired Lincoln Riley, expecting that to turn the program around," Finebaum said in January. "Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma. Outside of one good year, Lincoln Riley has been a bust at USC. I think that's the problem. He can't seem to get it turned around."
The Trojans are mapping out their plan for the future, however. According to 247Sports' Composite Rankings, USC ranks No. 13 in the Class of 2025 while maintaining the top spot for their 2026 class with 27 pledges. This includes five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe, alongside 16 four-star commitments.
If USC can return to bowl eligibility again, Riley's job might be safe. If not, heads may begin to roll.