BREAKING: Former USC star LenDale White is confident that the USC Trojans will make their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff this season, just days before their opener against Missouri State on September 2, 2025. Speaking exclusively to TMZ Sports at LAX, White expressed unwavering faith in head coach Lincoln Riley, despite the team’s disappointing 7-6 season last year.
White stated, “I feel like my Trojans will be in the College Football Playoffs. I believe in Lincoln. I believe we got some guys around here that’s gonna get the job done.” As the anticipation for the 2025 campaign builds, fans are eager to see if the Trojans can deliver on these expectations.
The pressure is on for Riley, who faces scrutiny after three inconsistent seasons. Despite the challenges, White argues that the shifting landscape of college football complicates the coaching narrative. “When you’re a Trojan, we’re supposed to win. We’re expected to win,” he said. “But in this new day and age of the college athlete, they can transfer out whenever they feel like it if it gets a little hard.”
The college football environment has drastically changed since White’s time at USC when the Trojans dominated with a 37-2 record and secured a National Championship. White pointed out that the current era allows players more freedom, impacting team stability and performance. He emphasized, “When you can’t keep these players around because they’re running away from competition, I can’t always put it on the coaches.”
As excitement builds, USC is set to kick off the season in less than a week, and fans are hopeful for a turnaround. The expanded College Football Playoff format will now feature 12 teams, and White believes USC will secure a coveted spot.
What happens next? Can Lincoln Riley’s team rise to the occasion and meet the high expectations set by legends like LenDale White? The season opener on September 2 will be crucial for setting the tone for the Trojans’ campaign.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover this developing story and follow the Trojans’ journey in the upcoming season.
