Urban Meyer Criticizes Lincoln Riley's USC Performance Amid High Expectations

Urban Meyer, former Ohio State head coach, expressed strong criticism of Lincoln Riley's performance at USC, highlighting that seven or eight wins are insufficient for a program of USC's stature, which he equates with powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, and Florida. Meyer acknowledged his respect for Riley but suggested the Trojans, with the nation's top recruiting class, must achieve higher standards, warning that Riley's job could be at risk if progress is not made soon. However, some commentators argue that Meyer's comparison overlooks the lasting impact of NCAA sanctions on USC, including recruiting restrictions and scholarship reductions that have hindered the program’s recovery. The debate also touched on the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, with Meyer fueling tensions by omitting Michigan from his list of top-tier coaching jobs and dismissing their recent successes. Despite Meyer's critique, there is recognition that USC is beginning to regain momentum after years of sanctions, aiming to return to its historical prominence in college football. Overall, the discourse reflects the high expectations for USC football and the complexities behind program success and coaching evaluations.