Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball

TRUST ISSUES: USC Players And Lincoln Riley Explain Trojans'' Trust Issues On The Field

Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball

Summary

USC football faces a critical moment as they prepare to take on Ohio State, the number two team in the nation, following a disappointing performance against Wisconsin. Players have expressed a lack of trust among teammates, emphasizing the need for better communication and execution on the field. Former Trojan Marvin Powell III highlights that the defensive strategy may be too complex, leading to confusion and poor performance. He stresses the importance of simplifying the game plan to allow players to focus on their assignments and play aggressively.

On the offensive side, concerns arise over head coach Lincoln Riley's decision-making and play-calling under pressure. Powell criticizes Riley for not having effective strategies in place to counteract defensive formations that outnumber the offensive line. The team must improve its running game and find ways to utilize standout players like Trent Mosley more effectively. With a home game at the Coliseum, USC aims to leverage its home-field advantage and regain momentum in the playoff race.

As the Trojans prepare for this pivotal matchup, both players and coaches recognize the importance of this game for their season. The outcome could determine their playoff hopes, making it essential for USC to perform at its best against a formidable opponent. The team is urged to bring energy, discipline, and a focus on execution to secure a much-needed victory.

Show Notes

The USC Trojans face a make-or-break moment as cracks in trust threaten their season ahead of a high-stakes clash with Ohio State. Questions swirl around Lincoln Riley's leadership after the loss to Wisconsin, with recurring themes of panic-driven play-calling, a struggling culture, and concerns about the Trojans' ability to execute under pressure. The conversation spotlights player insights from Jide Abasiri and Prophet Brown, examining defensive breakdowns, offensive woes, and the significance of home field advantage at the Coliseum. Analysis centers on what USC must change to upset the Buckeyes—namely, establishing the run game, simplifying defensive schemes, and finding ways to get star talent open. Is USC’s playoff dream still alive, or will foundational issues and Riley’s decision-making spell the end? Dive into an unfiltered breakdown of Trojan football’s most pivotal week. #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Wayfair Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.

ULTRA POUCHES Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEFOOTBALL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Butcher Box If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.

5-Hour ENERGY Treat yourself to a crisp apple bite and smooth caramel delight with a Caramel Apple 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot, only available online for a limited time at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More from Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball

Oct 30, 2026

Big Ten playoff hopes teeter as quarterback questions dominate conference headlines. With Ohio State, UCLA, and Indiana battling adversity — especially at the QB spot — experts debate whether the Big Ten could be limited to just one playoff team this season. Shocking upsets, strength of schedule concerns, and the impact of injuries have fan bases on edge, sparking tough conversations about the league's true contenders.

Oct 29, 2026

The USC Trojans and Ohio St. Buckeyes face off at the Coliseum, with Ohio St. set to start a true freshman quarterback—Luke Fahey. USC, meanwhile, looks to rebound from a disappointing loss to Wisconsin and faces mounting pressure on head coach Lincoln Riley amid growing hot seat speculation. Key storylines include Jeremiah Smith’s role as Ohio State’s top receiving threat, adjustments on both teams’ offensive lines, and whether Jayden Maiava can lead USC’s multi-weapon offense against one of college football’s best defenses. The conversation explores both teams’ rushing attacks, recent injuries, and the tactical chess match between Riley’s offense and Ryan Day’s defense. With playoff hopes and coaching futures potentially on the line, is this the game where legacies are cemented or rewritten? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball

Oct 28, 2026

USC Trojans face mounting pressure as reports surface of a strained relationship between head coach Lincoln Riley and the university. Is an unhappy marriage threatening USC’s playoff hopes? The discussion explores Riley’s candid media exchange, the intense scrutiny following the Trojans’ 24-7 loss to Wisconsin, and insider quotes suggesting both sides may be nearing a breaking point. Key topics include Riley’s transparency about multiple job opportunities, questions around play-calling responsibilities, and whether future success could mend the rift. Analysis also highlights USC’s inconsistent run game, the significance of the upcoming showdown against Ohio State, and what’s at stake for Riley’s tenure. Will the Trojans rally at the Coliseum, or are changes on the horizon for one of college football’s most storied programs? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball

Oct 27, 2026

USC Trojans hit a historic low with a shocking 24-7 loss to Wisconsin, finishing with negative rushing yards and failing to produce a single play over 20 yards. Can Lincoln Riley’s offense recover after being completely shut down by the Badgers’ relentless defense? The episode highlights abysmal offensive grades, with Jayden Maiava’s struggles at quarterback and a run game that never found its footing. The conversation focused on Riley’s surprising postgame admission that the team “panicked,” igniting questions about leadership, accountability, and the program’s long-term trajectory. Listener mailbag questions address speculation around Riley’s future, comparisons to Oregon’s coaching accountability, and the cultural shift needed for USC to return to contention in the Big Ten. With Ohio State looming and fan frustration at a boiling point, is it time for a coaching change—or will the Trojans rally when it matters most? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball

Oct 26, 2026

The USC Trojans’ shocking loss to Wisconsin sent shockwaves through college football—can Lincoln Riley turn the program around, or is the clock ticking on his tenure? Fans and pundits nationwide weigh in as frustrations mount and tough questions swirl about the team’s direction, physicality, and offensive identity. The conversation focused on USC football’s relevance despite recent struggles, emphasizing Lincoln Riley’s embattled leadership, negative 17-yard rushing performance, and the glaring gap between the program’s illustrious tradition—Heisman winners and “Tailback U” glory—and present woes. Key topics include College GameDay’s absence from USC since 2013, national criticism by figures like Paul Finebaum and Keyshawn Johnson, and a discouraging drop from the AP Top 25. The discussion explored the fanbase’s deep-rooted loyalty, challenges in the run game, and looming questions: Can Riley survive the season, and what has to change for the Trojans to reclaim their championship standard? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball

See all episodes →