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USC has been fined $5,000 due to Lincoln Riley’s inability to follow the rules vs. Michigan. The coach allowed an ineligible player to enter the game.
That player happened to make a significant impact on the field. The Big Ten quickly cracked down on the Trojans for ignoring its policy.
The conference has a rule in place that requires schools to “provide an availability report of its players to the conference office no more than two hours before kickoff as part its efforts to safeguard the integrity of games amid the growth of legalized gambling.”
Riley did not adhere to that policy.
USC football listed Bryan Jackson as ‘OUT.’
The sophomore running back has been battling a turf toe injury. He had not played since a Week 1 win over Missouri State.
He was listed as “OUT” on the gameday availability report. After the Trojans suffered a string of injuries at the position, however, he was inserted into the contest.
And he made an immediate splash!
BRYAN JACKSON SEE YOU LATER ✌️@uscfb extends the lead vs Michigan
📺:NBC pic.twitter.com/7BJy0fyf1O
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 12, 2025
Jackson carried the ball five times for 35 yards and a score. The Trojans might now wish his presence wasn’t so visible.
The Big Ten fined the Trojans.
BREAKING: Big Ten spokesperson tells @CBSSportsCFB the conference has fined USC $5,000 for playing RB Bryan Jackson in Saturday’s game against Michigan. Jackson was initially listed as “out” on the final availability report before the game. pic.twitter.com/QBRHw23IXy
— Richard🇬🇾Johnson (@RJ_cfb) October 13, 2025
Lincoln Riley knew the conference policy about player availability. He chose to ignore it. His school will pay $5,000 as a result.
Luckily, Jackson’s impact on the game didn’t have any major gambling implications. USC easily covered a two-point spread while the final game total fell well below the projected 57 points.