On October 26, 2026, a person affiliated with USC said Lincoln Riley had doubts about returning this season and that three or four losses probably ends his tenure. A day later a source said Riley could end up at TCU rather than Baylor. On October 28, his USC buyout was put at $70 million, and Riley said on the record he gave up more than most in college football history to come to USC and does not regret it. A day later the buyout was put at $57 million, against the $70 million reported earlier. Neither the school nor Riley has confirmed the exit claims, and the discussion weighs the hot-seat watch against the disputed buyout.