Lincoln Riley left some USC supporters scratching their heads on Saturday after a questionable trick play call he made against Notre Dame.
The No. 20 Trojans trailed the No. 13 Fighting Irish by three early in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Notre Dame. USC had a golden opportunity to take the lead after the home team missed a 31-yard field goal to open the final period.
A 42-yard Jordan Maiava pass got the Trojans downfield in a hurry. With the team smelling a go-ahead touchdown, Riley called for a trick play that saw Maiava hand off to wide receiver Makai Lemon. The play looked doomed from the snap.
LEMON WYD???????? Notre Dame recovers the fumble pic.twitter.com/Zl61u276iC
— Im not a fan of your favorite team (@fsh733) October 19, 2025
Lemon rolled right and had nowhere to go. At the last second, he looked like he wanted to throw a pass but was swarmed by defenders. Notre Dame forced a fumble and recovered at the 50-yard line. The Irish scored a decisive touchdown a few plays later to help secure a 34-24 victory.
Several USC fans were not only critical of Riley over the play — some wanted him fired for it. Many expressed how odd the call was, particularly with the field muddied up by rain.
These is exactly why Lincoln Riley needs to be fired from USC. Why would you run that play for a WR in the RAIN?!
— Ryan Lawson (@LongGoneLawson) October 19, 2025
That play call alone should get Lincoln Riley fired even at 5-1
— Scott Springer (@Springco) October 19, 2025
Lincoln Riley needs to be fired after this coaching fail in the second half.
— Daniel Williams (@Dan_Will1995) October 19, 2025
Lincoln Riley should be fired for that play call
— Mike (@MikeWKFMK96) October 19, 2025
The weird gadget play wasn’t Riley’s only call that had USC fans frustrated. He also had the team run a bold pass play on 4th-and-inches on his team’s next drive.
USC going with a naked boot on 4th & inches should make them bowl ineligible
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) October 19, 2025
pic.twitter.com/MMd1ACvgwL
The Trojans started the season 4-0 but have since lost two of their last three games, each against ranked opponents. There were reports that Riley entered the season on the hot seat after leading USC to mediocre finishes in each of the last two seasons.
Riley’s suspect play-calling on Saturday won’t help cool his seat off.
