Former USC Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart encourages fans to have faith in the process.
The USC Trojans hold a 3-4 record going into week nine of the college football season, falling short of fans’ expectations and sparking significant disappointment. Former Trojan and Heisman-winning quarterback Matt Leinart is urging fans to stay patient and trust the process.
Currently on a three-game losing streak, the Trojans’ season has left fans frustrated. However, Leinart used social media to reassure them, expressing optimism for the program’s future.
“While the frustration with USC is understandable, remember that this is a process. It’s year three, and our first in the Big 10. Let’s stay patient and trust that Lincoln and his staff will sort things out. Fight On!” Leinart shared in his post.
USC coach Lincoln Riley agreed to a 10-year contract with the Trojans in 2022, leading the team to an 11-3 record in his first season. However, USC slipped to an 8-5 record in 2023, and this year they’re off to a 3-4 start in their debut Big Ten season. While the season has been challenging, adjusting to a new conference with unfamiliar opponents and additional travel demands has been a factor.
Despite the losses, many of USC’s games have been close until the final moments. Riley acknowledges that these games should have ended in USC’s favor, and following the team’s third straight loss, he emphasized the need to win these tight contests.
“We’ve been a good enough team to have a chance to win every game, but we haven’t been quite good enough to separate,” Riley noted. “When you’re in these situations, you have to make plays to win — especially on the road. It comes down to making that field goal, securing that fourth-down tackle, making the catch, throw, or block, because no one’s going to hand it to you.”
Matt Leinart, supporting Riley, urged patience in a post: “As frustrated as everyone is with USC, it’s a process. This is year 3 and the first year in the Big Ten. Let’s try to have patience and trust that Lincoln and this staff will figure this out. Fight On!”
There are five games left in the season. Playoff hopes may be long gone, but USC is still fighting for bowl eligibility. They still have the chance to take down top teams such as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to sway future recruits that the Trojans are a team that wins big games.
Leinart could be right in telling fans to trust the process. While the Trojans have been struggling, they have a top recruiting class of 2025 and have the transfer portal to utilize moving forward.
The USC Trojans will face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. PT. It will be the second-to-last home game for the Trojans in 2024. This could be the game for USC to turn their season around and end on a high note.
