USC Trojans 2026 Football Schedule Predictions: Key Wins and CFP Hopes
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the USC Trojans under coach Lincoln Riley. There’s a lot of buzz about finally breaking through to the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time.
USC boasts a talented roster and a new defensive coordinator, Gary Patterson. Let’s take a look at the Trojans’ 2026 football schedule—key matchups, a few predictions, and maybe even a little wishful thinking for fans who’ve been waiting a while.
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USC Trojans’ 2026 Season Kickoff
The Trojans will kick off their 2026 season at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, hosting the San Jose State Spartans. USC has never lost to the Spartans, sitting at a perfect 6-0 in the series.
It’s hard to imagine that streak breaking this year. Most are expecting a solid win to get things rolling.
Non-Conference Games
USC’s non-conference slate includes Fresno State and Louisiana Ragin Cajuns. Fresno State comes to town on September 4 for a night game—should be a fun atmosphere.
Despite Fresno State’s 9-4 mark last year, USC is heavily favored. Then, on September 12, the Trojans face Louisiana Ragin Cajuns for the first time ever.
It’s not really a marquee matchup, but it’s another likely win for USC. These early games should give the Trojans a chance to iron out any wrinkles before conference play.
Big Ten Schedule
The Big Ten journey starts with a cross-country flight to play Rutgers. That’s a lot of miles, and maybe a little jet lag, but USC is still expected to open conference play with a win.
That sets up a much-hyped showdown with the Oregon Ducks, and, honestly, it’s one fans have circled on the calendar.
Key Matchups
Oregon comes to the Coliseum on September 26. This one’s huge for both Big Ten championship hopes and CFP dreams.
Lincoln Riley is 0-2 against Oregon’s Dan Lanning, so you know he’s got this one marked. The quarterback duel—Dante Moore for Oregon, Jayden Maiava for USC—should be electric.
But if you’re asking around, most folks think Oregon edges USC in a thriller. That could sting, but it’s early enough not to be a season-ender.
Next up, USC hosts the Washington Huskies. Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. will test USC’s defense, but the Trojans are generally expected to bounce back here.
Mid-Season Challenges
Penn State at Beaver Stadium looms on October 10. It might even be the Nittany Lions’ whiteout game—never an easy place for a visiting team.
Still, there’s a sense USC can pull off a big win and keep those playoff hopes alive. It’s a tall order, but not impossible.
Post-Bye Week Games
After a breather, USC heads to Camp Randall to play Wisconsin. Wisconsin isn’t looking like a powerhouse this year, but Camp Randall can get loud and weird.
USC will need to stay sharp. A slip-up here would be rough, but most expect the Trojans to handle business.
Crucial End-of-Season Games
Halloween brings Ohio State to the Coliseum. This is the kind of game that could make or break USC’s playoff shot.
Ohio State, led by Julian Sayin, is always dangerous. Most are bracing for a high-scoring battle, but the Buckeyes are slightly favored to spoil USC’s party.
Potential Season-Derailing Game
Then there’s the November 14 trip to Bloomington to face the defending national champs, Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana has TCU transfer Josh Hoover at quarterback and Nick Marsh, a former Michigan State wideout.
That’s a tough combo, and Indiana’s hungry to defend their Big Ten crown. If USC trips up here, well, that could be the end of their CFP dreams for 2026.
Final Games and Season Outlook
USC wraps up their regular season with matchups against Maryland and UCLA. The Trojans are widely expected to handle Maryland with ease on Senior Day at the Coliseum.
Then comes the big one: the Crosstown Rivalry with UCLA at the Rose Bowl. UCLA’s got a shot at the Victory Bell under new coach Bob Chesney, but most folks think USC will hang on to the trophy in what should be a wild finish.
The 2026 season? It’s shaping up to be a rollercoaster for the Trojans—lots of hope, a few bumps. At 9-3, they’re probably missing out on the CFP, but honestly, they’re still one of those teams nobody wants to face.
If you want more predictions and a deeper dive into USC’s 2026 schedule, check out Sports Illustrated.
We’ll keep covering USC football as things unfold. Feel free to sign up for our free newsletter, and give us a follow on Facebook and X for all the latest updates.
