Exclusive | Matt Leinart puts Lincoln Riley on notice as conference play begins: Youve got to get to the playoff

If anyone knows what the standard at USC looks like it’s Matt Leinart. He helped create it with two national championships, a Heisman trophy, Rose Bowl victories, and reign of dominance at the Coliseum that few programs have matched. More than two decades later, the former USC quarterback believes Lincoln Riley has reached the point in his tenure where progress alone is no longer enough.  The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story In year five, he needs to reach the College Football Playoff. “Look, I think you’ve got to get to the playoff,” Leinart told the California Post exclusively during a DraftKings Gameday event in Los Angeles.

“That’s the goal, right? This is Year 5, and I think Lincoln knows that.”There isn’t much ambiguity there.Riley arrived at USC in 2022 with expectations as enormous as his contract and nearly delivered immediately, winning 11 games and reaching the Pac-12 Championship Game in his debut season. But the Trojans have yet to come close to that inaugural success in the three years since and haven’t reached the College Football Playoff during Riley’s first four seasons in Los Angeles. That needs to change in 2026 as the No.14-ranked Trojans have arguably their most talented roster, continuity at quarterback, and the number one recruiting class for the first time in Riley’s tenure. “I think the playoffs are realistic,” Leinart said.

“I think that’s an expectation.”Leinart isn’t setting that bar merely because the interlocking SC demands it.He sees a roster capable of reaching it.“There’s a lot of talent on this team,” Leinart said.

“There’s a lot of depth on this team.They’ve got a veteran quarterback.

They’ve got a great running game.They’ve got a lot of youth on the outside, but a lot of...