Top Big Ten-SEC Matchups USC Fans Can’t Miss This Season

College football’s landscape is shifting, and some big changes are coming. There’s talk of expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) from 12 to maybe 16 or even 24 teams.

If that happens, major conferences might have more freedom—and maybe even the guts—to schedule marquee games against each other. Fox college football analyst Joel Klatt recently spotlighted 10 potential Big Ten-SEC matchups that could seriously shake things up.

Among those, the idea of USC squaring off against LSU or Texas jumps out. These could revive old rivalries and have a real impact on the national rankings and the playoff picture.

Potential Big Ten-SEC Showdowns

An expanded CFP would let elite programs go head-to-head without worrying that a single loss ruins their season. That alone could spark more high-stakes games—exactly what fans want.

Joel Klatt, who always seems to have a finger on the pulse of college football, has tossed out some Big Ten-SEC matchups that could grab everyone’s attention.

LSU vs. USC: A Clash of Titans

One matchup Klatt highlights is LSU traveling to play USC at the Colosseum. The biggest storyline? LSU coach Lane Kiffin returning to USC, the place that fired him on the tarmac after a brutal loss back in 2013.

Kiffin would be out for a little redemption, no doubt. You can bet he’d have LSU fired up for that one.

On the flip side, USC’s Lincoln Riley probably doesn’t have a personal beef with Kiffin, but you know he’d welcome the challenge. Beating LSU would be a statement and a pretty solid tune-up for the Big Ten grind.

USC vs. Texas: A Storied Rivalry Renewed

There’s also the possibility of USC facing Texas. That matchup instantly brings back memories of the wild 2006 Rose Bowl, which is still talked about as one of the best games ever played.

This time around, it’d be Riley versus Texas’s Steve Sarkisian—two coaches known for their creative play-calling. That’s a chess match I’d want to see.

Both teams are hungry for national respect. A win in a game like this could be a huge boost for either side in the playoff chase.

Implications of the CFP Expansion

If the CFP really does expand to 24 teams, it could change how schools approach their schedules. Right now, teams avoid tough non-conference games because one loss can wreck their playoff chances.

With more playoff spots, though, that pressure eases up. Schools might finally start scheduling the big matchups fans have been begging for.

We’d probably see more competitive games all season long, not just in the playoffs. That means younger players get real experience against elite competition, which can only help when the stakes get high.

Strategic Advantages for USC

For USC, playing SEC powerhouses like LSU and Texas isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s a chance to see where they stand against the nation’s best.

That kind of test could pay off big when they dive into the Big Ten schedule. Plus, a win over a top SEC team would look fantastic on a playoff resume.

And let’s be honest, those games would draw a ton of media attention. That kind of spotlight is huge for recruiting.

Building a National Powerhouse

If USC can hang with or beat SEC heavyweights, people will start seeing them as a true national powerhouse. That reputation is gold when it comes to attracting top recruits and keeping the program in the mix for championships.

The expanded playoff would give USC more chances to prove themselves on a big stage. High-stakes games like these could help build a culture of toughness and resilience.

There’s no substitute for being tested against the best. If USC wants a national title, these are the kinds of games that get them ready.

The proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff opens up a lot of possibilities for big programs. Suddenly, teams can schedule those high-stakes games without worrying that a single loss will ruin their shot at the postseason.

For USC, matchups against LSU or Texas? That sounds like a real chance to revive some old rivalries. Plus, these games could give the team experience and maybe even a strategic edge down the road.

College football just keeps changing, doesn’t it? Fans are probably in for more intense and unpredictable games, which is honestly what makes the sport so addictive.

If you’re curious about more potential Big Ten-SEC clashes, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.