Lincoln Riley and the No. 21-ranked USC’s undefeated start to the 2025 campaign ended in heartbreak on Saturday, as the No. 23-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini delivered a crazy 34-32 upset with a game-winning field goal. It was a pretty vague performance by USC throughout the game, but despite the loss, Lincoln Riley gave big props to someone who suited up even though he wasn’t 100% cleared.

On September 27, after the game, Lincoln Riley gave “warrior-level” props to Ja’Kobi Lane for stepping up. USC insider Ryan Kartje shared on X: “Lincoln Riley called Ja’Kobi Lane ‘a warrior’ for playing at all on Saturday. Riley said that the USC receiver ‘felt a little better than anticipated’ and really wanted to give it a go. But he hadn’t taken any reps in two weeks, Riley said, and was clearly

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