2026 Opponent Snapshot: USC Trojans
Head Coach: Lincoln Riley2025 Record: 9-4 (7-2 Big Ten) Quick 2025 Recap USC easily started 4-0 with wins against Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, and Michigan State. The Trojans fell to Illinois in their first real test of the season on a last-minute field goal after coming back from 14 down in the final quarter […]
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - DECEMBER 30: Jaden Richardson #15 of the USC Trojans catches a pass for a touchdown against Channing Canada #7 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the third quarter of the game at Alamodome on December 30, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images Head Coach: Lincoln Riley 2025 Record: 9-4 (7-2 Big Ten) Quick 2025 Recap USC easily started 4-0 with wins against Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, and Michigan State. The Trojans fell to Illinois in their first real test of the season on a last-minute field goal after coming back from 14 down in the final quarter to take the lead.
After the bye week, USC answered with a decisive 31-13 win over Michigan at home. Notre Dame beat USC for the third straight season the following week in South Bend. The Trojans won three straight games in early November against Nebraska, Northwestern, and Iowa to move to 8-2.
A 42-27 loss to Oregon knocked them out of playoff contention, but USC was able to finish the regular season with a solid 29-10 win over crosstown rival UCLA. TCU defeated USC 30-27 in the Alamo Bowl in overtime. Offensive Player to Watch QB Jayden Maiava Maiava led the Big Ten in passing yards in 2025.
Most projections have him as a Day 2 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Lincoln Riley is well-known for developing quarterbacks, and Penn State will have a tough time trying to slow down the USC passing attack. Jakobi Lane and Biletnikoff Award winner Makai Lemon are both off to the NFL, leaving sophomore Tanook Hines (561 yards, 2 TD) as the team’s leading returning receiver.