Seemingly out of nowhere this week, rumors started flying that maybe, just maybe, Lincoln Riley would be open to leaving USC. And with that, LSU football was discussed as a possible landing spot for him now that Brian Kelly has been fired.
LSU vs Alabama final odds and a prediction
Even further, rumors arrived stating that LSU had been in contact with Riley's reps. This would have turned the football world upside down and it of course would have been a massive get for the Tigers and new athletic director Verge Ausberry. However, it's not going to happen, as Riley has thrown cold water over everything:
The script has basically stayed the same https://t.co/QdxbO5eggb pic.twitter.com/CGK0OQwK7k
— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) November 8, 2025
Lincoln Riley shut down rumors that he's interested in the LSU football job
Well, the idea of Riley packing his bags and making a move to Baton Rouge was fun while it lasted. At the end of the day, it always felt there was just no way he was going to leave USC after this year. However, could this be another case of Riley saying he's not going anywhere and then bolting after all?
Ask Oklahoma fans about that. Regardless, Riley is claiming that he's all-in with the Trojans and we're going to have to believe him for now. As for the Tigers, there are obviously other big-name candidates for the administration to focus on.
Jon Sumrall continues to be considered the big-time favorite for the job, as plenty of people would love to see him stay in state after the fantastic job he's done in charge of leading Tulane. With his in-state recruiting knowledge too, that will surely help him if he does take the SEC job.
Sumrall isn't the only one that people have in mind. Joe Brady continues to be discussed and the LSU faithful aren't ready to give up on Lane Kiffin just yet either. Whoever the Tigers do hire is going to have a tall task in front of them, as the Kelly era was a nightmare.
With that said, Frank Wilson has people looking forward to the future, as he knows what being a Tiger is all about. As soon as the next hire is made, the new guy in charge will have to hit the ground running with the recruiting and build things up from the ground floor to help the Tigers get back to where they need to be. Go ahead and wipe Riley off your wishlist, however, as he's not going anywhere.