Former USC players sound off on Lincoln Riley and Trojans after Alamo Bowl collapse

"USC lost to TCU 30-27 in overtime after blowing a 10-point lead, adding further frustration for fans after missing the College Football Playoff yet again under coach Lincoln Riley. Trojans including Matt Leinart, Su'a Cravens and LenDale White vented frustrations with the team's defensive struggles and questioned Riley's effectiveness. The former players called for accountability and possible coaching changes, with some volunteering to return to the program to help turn things around."

"Matt Leinart went to bed early. Tired from hosting family for the holidays and planning on rising early for a workout, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner and star USC quarterback did not stay up to catch the end of his alma mater's game against Texas Christian in the Alamo Bowl on Tuesday night. He likely does not regret that decision. After allowing a 10-point lead to slip away in the final minutes of regulation, the Trojans eventually lost 30-27 in overtime."

"It was a exasperating finish to a 9-4 season already considered a disappointment by many Trojan fans after the team failed to make the College Football Playoff for the fourth time in as many seasons under coach Lincoln Riley. Leinart initially wasn't one of them, even though some people thought he was commenting on the Alamo Bowl when he wrote, "Nobody cares.... I promise!" Tuesday night on X. Later, the verified TCU Football account reposted Leinart's post and wrote " cry on," a play on the USC rallying cry, "Fight on!""

USC lost to TCU 30-27 in overtime after surrendering a 10-point lead late in regulation, culminating with a 35-yard, game-winning touchdown in OT. The loss capped a 9-4 season and extended the Trojans' failure to reach the College Football Playoff to four straight seasons under coach Lincoln Riley. Several former USC players, including Matt Leinart, Su'a Cravens and LenDale White, publicly expressed frustration with defensive performance and questioned coaching effectiveness. Those former players called for accountability and potential staff changes, with some offering to return to the program to help improve results.

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