USC’s 27–13 loss to Indiana left former Trojans wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson visibly frustrated—and prompted him to call for a change at head coach. After the defeat, Johnson said he believed it was time for USC to find someone else, directing his criticism at Lincoln Riley and the direction of the program.
In a video posted on November 14, Johnson struggled to put his reaction into words. “I tried my best,” he said before adding that it was time to “find somebody else.” He also questioned where things had gone wrong and described the result as unbelievable. Before speaking, Johnson shook his head in disbelief, reflecting the disappointment many USC supporters felt after watching the team’s performance.
The loss was particularly damaging because USC entered Week 11 at 7–2 and had an opportunity to make a statement against a highly ranked Indiana team. The Trojans had the offensive talent to challenge the Hoosiers, but they could not turn promising possessions into points. The defeat dropped USC’s record to 7–3 and marked its third loss of the season.
## Turnovers and missed chances hurt the Trojans
Mistakes affected both teams, but Indiana made better use of USC’s errors. The Trojans managed to advance into Indiana territory, including deep into the area near the 30-yard line, yet went for a significant stretch without scoring. They also struggled to sustain drives on third down, converting only two of 11 attempts.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava had some effective moments, but his three interceptions proved costly. One came with USC trailing 20–13. The Trojans had moved into the red zone and had a chance to close the gap, but Maiava forced a pass that Indiana intercepted, ending a promising scoring opportunity.
A later interception in the fourth quarter hurt USC even more. With the Trojans needing points to stay in contention, the turnover took away another chance to mount a comeback. The mistakes underscored a recurring problem for the team: USC can move the ball and compete for stretches, but has struggled to execute consistently when the pressure increases.
That pattern has contributed to USC’s difficulty earning road victories against ranked opponents since 2022. The loss to Indiana renewed questions about whether the Trojans can finish close contests and take the next step under Riley.
## Riley remains confident in USC’s direction
Johnson’s comments came amid increased scrutiny of Riley’s position. The coach, however, expressed confidence in the program after the game. He said he believed in the team’s approach, himself, USC’s leadership and the university administration. Riley also emphasized that everyone involved wanted success and said the group understood how close it could be.
Riley maintained that the team would keep working and battling, adding that he believed USC would get there. His response contrasted with Johnson’s call for a new coach, highlighting the divide between the former Trojan’s frustration and Riley’s stated faith in the program’s future.
The 7–3 record also leaves USC with little room for error in its pursuit of the 2026 College Football Playoff. After the defeat, the Trojans’ playoff chances became extremely slim, and the program’s 13-year playoff drought is set to continue.
USC’s remaining schedule includes its final home game of the season against Maryland at Memorial Coliseum next week. The Trojans will then close the regular season against the UCLA Bruins on November 28. Those games offer USC an opportunity to respond to the Indiana loss, though the defeat has intensified questions about the team’s ability to meet expectations.
Indiana, meanwhile, improved to 9–1 and strengthened its position in the race for a College Football Playoff place. For the Hoosiers, the win provided another important step forward. For USC, it was a frustrating setback that left a prominent former player openly questioning whether the program should continue under its current leadership.
