Lincoln Riley, head coach of the USC Trojans, recently popped up on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd. He sounded pretty fired up about the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era sweeping through college football.
Riley sees NIL as a big win for the sport. Players finally get paid, and it just might shake up the old power structure.
With this new setup, more teams can jump into the mix—if they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is. Riley’s take feels like a fresh breeze, especially for folks tired of the same programs always winning.
The Impact of NIL on College Football
NIL has really upended how college football works. Players can now cash in on their own brand, and that changes who gets what.
Riley pointed out that this shift has made things fairer. Schools from all over can now compete, not just the usual suspects.
“Now there’s not just one part of the country paying players. Everybody’s able to do it and it’s a great thing,” Riley told Cowherd. You can almost hear the relief in his voice.
Increased Parity and Competition
Riley thinks the NIL era lets more teams get a seat at the table—if they’re willing to invest. “I think the parity…I think it’s what you said. It’s stories that would have happened before that are happening now,” he said.
He’s not just talking in theory, either. Teams like Indiana and Texas Tech could actually make some noise now. Who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
USC’s Strategy in the NIL Era
USC’s trying to play this NIL game smart. They’re building a roster that could hang with anyone, and maybe even snag a playoff spot.
They spent most of the 2025 season in the top 20. With a solid group of returners, a top recruiting class, and some slick moves in the transfer portal, USC looks ready to grab the opportunities NIL brings.
The Broader Implications of NIL
Riley admits NIL isn’t perfect yet. “We all know there’s still parts of it to be worked out. It’s obviously not a finished product by any stretch of the imagination. But it has gotten better,” he said.
Even with the kinks, he’s pretty optimistic. He figures the NIL era will open more doors and make the whole sport better.
Opportunities for Smaller Programs
One thing that stands out: smaller programs can finally get in on the action. With NIL, they can actually offer something to recruits.
That means schools that used to struggle might start landing some real talent. Could we see a more crowded race for national attention? Maybe. It’s at least possible now.
Challenges and Future Developments
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Making sure things stay fair is a real concern.
There’s also the question of rules—somebody’s got to keep this from turning into the Wild West. As NIL keeps shifting, everyone involved will have to figure out how to keep things sustainable and not let it spiral out of control.
Conclusion
Lincoln Riley has some interesting thoughts on the NIL era in college football. He sees it as a game-changer, opening doors for players to actually get paid for their talents.
This shift could make things fairer and, honestly, a lot more exciting for everyone who loves the sport. Programs like USC are figuring out how to navigate it, and that’s going to shape the stories and matchups we see going forward.
If you’re curious about Riley’s full perspective, you can catch his interview on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd. It’s worth a listen.
Want a deeper dive? Check out the full article on Reign of Troy.
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