USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley addressed reporters' questions on Thursday morning for the final time before the team will host the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.

While previewing the Buckeyes' quarterback situation after Ohio State coach Ryan Day has been coy in naming a starter, Riley's comments on wide receiver Jeremiah Smith stand out. Known to be one of the better offensive minds in college football, developing three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks and sending NFL signal-callers and wide receivers to the NFL, Riley compared Smith to a former Texas Tech receiver from the 2000s.

Oct 24, 2026; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Wahl-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"Jeremiah is a tremendous player. I would say, you know, I haven't been on the field with him yet.…