LenDale White Bets Big on Lincoln Riley and USC’s Playoff Chances — Despite All Evidence to the Contrary
Former NFL running back LenDale White is convinced Lincoln Riley will finally lead USC into the College Football Playoff this season — a prediction that sounds optimistic at best, delusional at worst.
Look, I know it’s supposed to be inspiring when old players talk up their alma mater. But watching LenDale White confidently declare that USC is about to make the playoff in 2025 feels like watching someone bet their life savings on a coin toss — blind faith with zero statistical backing.
White, who played for USC from 2003 to 2005 during those golden Carroll-era years (remember when college football was actually fun?), recently told TMZ Sports he fully expects the Trojans to break their CFP drought this year. That’s right — despite finishing 7-6 last season and having three underwhelming campaigns under Riley so far, White still thinks this is the year they’ll magically rise from mediocrity and reclaim glory.
Sure, LenDale. And while we’re at it, maybe you can also explain how USC has never made the playoff since its inception in 2014, even though they’ve been historically relevant longer than most teams have had helmets.
White insists that Riley deserves more time, citing the ever-evolving landscape of modern college football — specifically, the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness deals. He argues that coaches like Riley are being unfairly judged because they can’t keep rosters intact anymore. Players bolt at the first sign of trouble, and programs are left scrambling. “It’s not like when you had the Pete Carroll’s or even the Saban’s,” he said. Translation: Back in my day, we stayed loyal until graduation or until we got drafted. Now? It’s chaos out there.
Of course, White isn’t wrong about the instability in college football today. The sport is basically a revolving door now, with athletes treating schools like temporary pit stops rather than lifelong commitments. But does that really excuse three straight seasons of barely scraping .500?
Let’s not forget — USC hasn’t just missed the playoff; they haven’t even sniffed serious contention. They were once a dynasty, but now they’re just another mid-tier Power Five team trying to look like a contender again. And yet, White remains bullish.
He also threw in some nostalgia about his playing days, when USC went 37-2 over three seasons and won a national title. That was before the playoff system existed, mind you, but apparently, that doesn’t matter. What matters is belief. Or denial. Hard to tell which.
The Trojans kick off the 2025 season against Missouri State in less than a week. If history tells us anything, it’s that optimism rarely survives the opening month of the season unscathed.
Anyway, can’t wait to see how this gets worse.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ Sports
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