As USC coach Lincoln Riley ended his press conference following an upset win over Ohio State on Oct. 31, he pulled out a piece of paper and read a message.

Following his signature win as the Trojans head coach, Riley says he had written down some thoughts between the time he exited the field as fans stormed the Coliseum and when he walked up to the podium.

Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“This program is built on internal joy, not external applause,” Riley said. “This win is for all the staff members, the players, the leaders, the admin, all these people within the walls.…