Lincoln Riley Fires Back at Critics Over USC Crowd, But Iowa Fans Know the Real Story

USC coach Lincoln Riley is pushing back against what he calls a “false narrative” after the Trojans’ season-opening win drew the smallest home crowd in years. But for Iowa football fans, the real story might be the weather, the schedule, and a defense of a program that has quietly improved under Riley.

The sparse attendance at Saturday’s 51,144-person game against San José State sparked a national backlash, with photos of empty Coliseum seats flooding social media. Riley, however, dismissed the criticism on Tuesday, blaming it on outsiders who don’t understand the program.

“I think that comes from a lot of people who don't follow our program, most of those who have never stepped foot in the Coliseum,” Riley said. “The reality is, during my years here, attendance has gone up every single year. As has our play in the Coliseum, including running the table last year in front of a lot of epic atmospheres. And I expect that to happen again this year.”

What really happened at the Coliseum on Saturday?

Saturday’s crowd was the smallest at USC since late in the 2018 season, when the Trojans were struggling under former coach Clay Helton. But the numbers tell a more nuanced story. Average attendance actually dropped from 71,571 in 2024 to 67,783 in 2025, but that season featured fewer marquee matchups and one game soaked by heavy rain (against Iowa).

The heat was a major factor on Saturday. With a heat index around 100 degrees at the Coliseum, the conditions were brutal. Lee Feaster, a Texas native and father of freshman wideout Boobie Feaster, said his wife passed out during the game and still has blisters.

Still, the announced attendance of 51,144 felt generous to many observers. Empty sections of bleachers were visible in photos, and the crowd size became a national talking point.

How did other coaches react to USC’s attendance?

The criticism didn’t stay on social media. Fellow coaches piled on, starting with Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire, who took a jab at USC while praising his own fan base.

“Not to take any shots because I have a lot of respect for USC and Lincoln Riley, but man it's really awesome to be playing Lubbock, Texas, in front of 60,000,” McGuire said. “And it's going to be warm. It's going to be every bit as warm as it was Saturday. The great thing is we've got some really tough people in West Texas that love their football. They're gonna show up no matter what the weather's like. There's not going to be any excuses of why they're not here for us.”

New California coach Tosh Lupoi added his own critique on Tuesday.

“To turn on the TV, to see that environment in Los Angeles, that's disheartening to see,” Lupoi said in Berkeley. “I can guarantee you, that's a completely different environment here.”

What does this mean for Iowa football fans?

For Iowans, the USC attendance story hits close to home. Last season, the Trojans played Iowa in a game that was soaked by heavy rain, and attendance still held up. That’s a testament to the loyalty of Hawkeye fans, who show up in all conditions, rain or shine.

Iowa fans are known for their dedication, whether it’s packing Kinnick Stadium for a night game or braving the elements for a rivalry matchup. The contrast between Iowa’s fan culture and the fair-weather attendance in Los Angeles is a point of pride for many in the Midwest.

Will USC’s attendance improve this season?

USC has a “premier home schedule” this season, according to a statement released by the school, and Riley expects the atmosphere to improve. The Trojans play Fresno State on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Coliseum, and Riley knows the world will be watching.

“This is USC, right?” Riley said. “People are going to pay attention. People are going to have an opinion. It's part of being a blueblood school.”

Riley’s record at home is strong, including an undefeated season at the Coliseum last year. But the optics of a half-empty stadium are hard to ignore, especially in the age of social media.

Frequently asked questions about USC’s attendance controversy

Why was USC’s attendance so low on Saturday?

The heat was a major factor, with a heat index around 100 degrees. The opponent, San José State, also lacked marquee appeal, and the game was played on a Saturday afternoon in late August, which can be a tough sell for fans.

Is Lincoln Riley’s job in danger?

No. Riley has a strong record at USC, including an undefeated home season last year. The attendance issue is a PR problem, not a job security issue.

How does this compare to Iowa’s fan base?

Iowa fans are known for their loyalty, showing up in all weather conditions. The contrast between Iowa’s dedicated fan base and USC’s fair-weather attendance is a talking point for many Midwesterners.

USC will look to bounce back on Friday against Fresno State, but the scrutiny isn’t likely to fade anytime soon.