Your Complete Guide to the USC Trojans Football Schedule and Key Matchups
As a lifelong college football analyst with over two decades of experience covering the Pac-12, I’ve always believed that a team’s schedule tells you more than just who they play—it reveals their character, their resilience, and their championship potential. This season, the USC Trojans face one of the most intriguing slates in recent memory, a mix of high-stakes conference battles and non-conference tests that will define their trajectory under Lincoln Riley’s leadership. And while my focus today is squarely on the gridiron, I can’t help but draw a parallel to another compelling storyline unfolding halfway across the world: WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem defending his title against former champ Yudai Shigeoka on March 30 in Nagoya, Japan. Just as Jerusalem aims to leave no doubt in his rematch, USC enters this season with something to prove—a burning need to silence doubters and reclaim their place among the elite.
Let’s start with the non-conference schedule, which kicks off with a classic trap game against San José State on August 31. On paper, it’s a straightforward opener, but I’ve seen enough of these early matchups to know they set the tone for everything that follows. The following week, USC travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU—a game I’ve had circled since the schedule dropped. This isn’t just another road test; it’s a litmus test for the Trojans’ revamped defense. Last year, they gave up an average of 34.5 points per game, a number that simply won’t cut it against an offense as explosive as LSU’s. Personally, I think this game could swing on one or two key possessions—maybe a forced turnover or a clutch third-down conversion. If USC’s secondary holds up under the pressure, it could signal a turning point for the entire season. Then there’s the annual rivalry with Notre Dame on October 19, a matchup that always feels personal. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this game come down to the final drive, and this year should be no different.
Now, the heart of the schedule lies in Pac-12 play, where every week feels like a title fight. The conference opener against Wisconsin on September 28 is crucial—win that, and you build momentum; lose it, and you’re playing catch-up. But the game I’m most excited about? The October 12 showdown against Penn State. I’ve always admired how the Nittany Lions play disciplined, hard-nosed football, and USC’s ability to match that physicality will tell us a lot about their playoff aspirations. Let’s be honest: if the Trojans want to be taken seriously, they need to win these kinds of games convincingly. And just like Melvin Jerusalem preparing for Shigeoka, USC can’t afford to overlook any opponent—not even the late-season matchups against teams like UCLA or Washington. Those games often decide division titles, and in my experience, it’s the teams that finish strong that end up hoisting trophies.
Speaking of trophies, that brings me back to Jerusalem and Shigeoka. In boxing, as in football, preparation is everything. Jerusalem knows that a single misstep could cost him his belt, and similarly, USC’s margin for error is razor-thin this year. One bad half against a team like Oregon on November 3, and their playoff hopes could vanish. I remember watching last year’s loss to Utah—a game where USC led by 14 points in the third quarter only to collapse down the stretch. That kind of mental lapse can’t happen again if they want to compete for a national title. Statistically, USC’s offense averaged over 41 points per game in 2023, but it’s the defense that needs to step up. I’d estimate they’ll need to shave at least a touchdown off their points allowed average to contend with the likes of Georgia or Ohio State.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that this schedule is both a challenge and an opportunity. The Trojans have the talent—especially with a Heisman-caliber quarterback leading the offense—but talent alone isn’t enough. They need to approach each game with the same focus and intensity that Jerusalem brings into the ring on March 30. From where I stand, the key matchups against LSU, Penn State, and Oregon will define their season. If they can go 2-1 in those games, I like their chances to make the College Football Playoff. But if they stumble early, it could be a long, frustrating year. Ultimately, what I love about college football is the unpredictability—the way a single play can change everything. So as Jerusalem fights to cement his legacy in Japan, USC will be writing their own story one Saturday at a time. And I, for one, can’t wait to watch it unfold.
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