What happened: Speculation surrounding Lincoln Riley's future with USC escalated as the team trailed Washington 21-10. Troy Renck questioned whether a university booster would

Why it matters: Riley's contract details remain private, but industry estimates place his buyout at roughly $70 million. The financial commitment to overhaul the coaching staff presents a significant hurdle for the university following a disappointing stretch of results.

What to watch: The administration's stance on the coaching situation will face heightened scrutiny as the season progresses.