The University of Southern California (USC) Trojans football team has found themselves in a seemingly endless cycle of setbacks, both on and off the field. As if a disappointing 4-5 record and a string of heartbreaking losses weren't enough, the program now faces additional penalties from the NCAA for coaching violations, further compounding their woes.

Trojans Grapple with Unexpected Adversity

A Season of Missed Opportunities

The 2024 college football season for the USC Trojans has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Despite leading in the fourth quarter of all five of their losses, the team has struggled to close out games, squandering numerous opportunities to secure victories. In four of those five losses, the Trojans had at least a 92% win probability at some point, making their inability to seal the deal all the more perplexing. This season has undoubtedly been one of the most unexpected and dismal in recent memory for the storied program.

NCAA Enforcement Delivers a Blow

Adding to the Trojans' on-field struggles, the NCAA enforcement division has now announced that USC has been placed on probation and fined $50,000 for "on-and off-field coaching activities." According to the NCAA's press release, eight analysts within the football program engaged in coaching activities during the 2022-23 academic years, exceeding the permissible number of countable coaches by six. As a result, head coach Lincoln Riley has been found to have violated head coach responsibility rules.

Accepting Responsibility and Implementing Corrective Measures

The USC Athletic Department has acknowledged the violations and accepted the punishment, stating that they have worked cooperatively with the NCAA enforcement staff and the Committee on Infractions. USC Athletic Director Jen Cohen emphasized the university's commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior and integrity within their athletic programs.

Mitigating Factors and Penalties

While the NCAA found that the coaches were aware of the rules, they also noted that the violations were the result of "occasional lapses in judgment." Interestingly, head coach Lincoln Riley was not found to be personally involved in the violations and was able to demonstrate that he promoted an atmosphere of compliance and monitored his staff. As a result, Riley will not face a suspension penalty.The penalties imposed on USC include a one-year probation period, a $50,000 fine, and a restriction on the remaining analysts' involvement in film or practice review for six days in a four-week period. Additionally, a special teams analyst will face the same punishment next year, and the football program will experience a 24-hour reduction in athletic-related activities in 2025.

Navigating the Challenges Ahead

With the NCAA penalties in place, the Trojans now face an even more daunting task as they strive to reach bowl eligibility. They must win two of their final three games, which include home matchups against Nebraska and Notre Dame, as well as a "road" game against a resurgent UCLA team.As the Trojans grapple with these mounting challenges, both on and off the field, the question remains: can they overcome the adversity and salvage a season that has been marred by disappointment and setbacks? The road ahead is undoubtedly a difficult one, but the Trojans will need to draw upon their resilience and determination to emerge from this turbulent period stronger than ever.