The No. 19 USC Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley earned their most signature win of the 2026 college football season, defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions 31-23 on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium.
The win moves the Trojans to 6-1 and keeps them in the College Football Playoff conversation, with their one loss coming to the No. 13 Oregon Ducks. After the win, several USC players were seen celebrating with members of the Trojan marching band on their way to the locker room. USC’s iconic marching band has always been known for traveling well, and that held in the Trojans’ win on Saturday night over the Nittany Lions. Here’s a look at the moment.
Penn State’s locker room is under construction so the USC players and band celebrated on the way to the locker room
Imagine being a Penn State fan stuck between this pic.twitter.com/P6CjqLspVQ
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 11, 2026
It was a win for the Trojans that was much-needed, and one that Riley even called one of his best as a coach. Riley also took a swipe at the doubters who predicted the Trojans would lose on Saturday night in a hostile whiteout environment against Penn State.
“One of my favorite wins as a head coach, no question, for so many reasons. Obviously, it’s a phenomenal atmosphere. It’s as good as it gets there. Credit to Penn State and their fans. But proud of our team, man,” Riley said.
“We didn’t listen to all you guys had to say on the outside. This group doesn’t really care. Nobody in the world gave us a chance to come in and win this game. We did it our way. We won on our terms, and I’m really damn proud of this football team.”…