Lincoln Riley met with reporters on Tuesday evening to discuss USC’s upcoming game against Wisconsin.

Riley was asked about the limited opportunities that former Georgia transfer Bear Alexander has seen so far this season.

Riley was defensive to the question, stating that “there’s no story there.” Riley pointed out that Alexander played “over a third of the game” vs. Michigan and said USC’s defensive line rotation is harder to crack this season than it was in 2023.

“People want to act like he’s not playing,” Riley said. “He’s doing a good job for us out here. He’s getting better. There’s no story there. I know you guys are looking for one. There’s no story there. Guy’s out here working hard, he’s improving, he’s in a new system with a new coach. He’s getting better and I think he’s going to continue to get better.

“It should be hard to play D-Line at USC. It ought to be kind of hard. It wasn’t hard last year and that’s why we weren’t very good up there. We’re pretty decent up there [now] and it’s hard and the margins are thin.”

Despite Riley’s comments, Alexander seems to be frustrated with the opportunities he’s received so far this season. He shared this message on social media after the loss to Michigan:

Alexander has registered 69 snaps through 3 games with the Trojans, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s collected 3 tackles and 2 quarterback hurries on the year.

PFF also says Alexander played 21 snaps against Michigan on Saturday, which tied for third amongst the Trojans’ interior defensive linemen.

USC will face Wisconsin in Week 5.