LenDale White Defends Lincoln Riley, Predicts USC Playoff Look

USC has by no means made the Faculty Soccer Playoff, nevertheless it’s a streak that’ll quickly come to a screeching halt, based on a Trojans nice, who tells TMZ Sports activities Lincoln Riley‘s Southern California squad is gearing as much as kick ass this season!

We not too long ago bumped into SC legend LenDale White at LAX … and with the staff coming off a disappointing 7-6 season, we requested half of Thunder and Lightning for his outlook on the 2025 marketing campaign.

“I really feel like my Trojans shall be within the Faculty Soccer Playoffs. I consider in Lincoln. I consider we received some guys round right here that is gonna get the job completed. And I am excited to see what this 12 months brings for us!”

White clearly has little question SC has the suitable coach, however not everybody agrees … and after three so-so seasons in L.A., Riley’s reportedly on the recent seat. Everybody from followers to high school brass desires a winner.

However LenDale says these expectations might not be totally honest given the present faculty soccer panorama.

“Once you’re a Trojan we’re purported to win. We’re anticipated to win,” White stated. “I can perceive what it’s, however on this new day and age of the school athlete that may switch out every time they really feel prefer it, as quickly because it will get a bit onerous, they go away.”

“It is not like if you had the Pete Carroll‘s and even the [Nick] Saban‘s and stuff.”

In fact, faculty soccer was a lot completely different when these legendary coaches roamed the sidelines.

Gamers could not (legally) be paid, and in the event that they needed to switch, they have been nearly at all times required to sit down out a season. That is not the case anymore.

“When you’ll be able to’t maintain these gamers or maintain the blokes round on a regular basis as a result of they’re working away from competitors, I can not at all times put it on the coaches.”

White, an All-American, starred at SC between 2003 and 2005 when this system was arguably the very best in all of school soccer, going 37-2, and profitable a Nationwide Championship.

That was earlier than the Faculty Soccer Playoff system was applied — and with the expanded format, 12 groups will finally vie for the natty. LenDale believes SC will occupy one of many spots.

The Trojans kick off their season in lower than per week after they play Missouri State on Saturday.

There’s extra with LenDale … who additionally provides us a overview of his backfield mate Reggie Bush‘s efficiency in “Completely happy Gilmore 2.”