Lincoln Riley is in his fifth season as USC head coach, while Brent Venables is in his fifth season as Oklahoma head coach. Riley was previously Oklahoma head coach from 2017-21. This is Venables’ first stop as an FBS head coach.
Which coach has a better record, more wins, and more championships at their current school and over their careers?
Head-To-Head Record
Riley and Venables have never faced each other as head coaches.
Career Win-Loss Analysis
Lincoln Riley has more career wins as a head coach. Riley is 35-18 (.660) at USC and 90-28 (.763) overall. Brent Venables is 32-20 (.615) at Oklahoma.
Riley led USC to nine wins (9-4) last year, including 7-2 in the Big Ten. Venables led Oklahoma to 10 wins (10-3), including 6-2 in the SEC.
Annual Record Breakdown & Winning Percentages
| Year | Riley | Venables |
| 2025 | 9-4 (.692) | 10-3 (.769) |
| 2024 | 7-6 (.538) | 6-7 (.462) |
| 2023 | 8-5 (.615) | 10-3 (.769) |
| 2022 | 11-3 (.786) | 6-7 (.462) |
| 2021 | 10-2 (.833) | – |
| 2020 | 9-2 (.818) | – |
| 2019 | 12-2 (.857) | – |
| 2018 | 12-2 (.857) | – |
| 2017 | 12-2 (.857) | – |
Postseason & Championship Results
Riley has three bowl wins, four conference championships, and zero national championships in his career.
Venables has zero bowl wins, zero conference championships, and zero national championships in his career.
Recruiting Rankings: Riley vs. Venables
Here’s the year-by-year team recruiting rankings (247Sports) for each coach:
| Year | Riley | Venables |
| 2026 | 1st | 15th |
| 2025 | 13th | 18th |
| 2024 | 17th | 8th |
| 2023 | 8th | 5th |
| 2022 | 58th | 8th |
| 2021 | 10th | – |
| 2020 | 12th | – |
| 2019 | 6th | – |
| 2018 | 9th | – |
| 2017 | 8th | – |
Visit the online sportsbook to bet on USC football odds, Oklahoma football odds, and more college football betting opportunities throughout the year.
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