Ohio State Buckeyes vs USC Trojans: NCAAF Preview, Predictions & Key Storylines

10/31 - 7:30 PM EDT at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum · 2026 NCAAF Season

The Ohio State Buckeyes head to face the USC Trojans in a NCAA - Football matchup that carries real weight for both sides. The game is set for 10/31 - 7:30 PM EDT, and will be played at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Heading into the contest, the Ohio State Buckeyes sit at 6-1 while the USC Trojans are 6-2, setting up a matchup where every possession and every quarter could matter.

Fans looking to catch the action can tune in on NBC. As always, broadcast availability can vary by region, so it's worth double-checking local listings closer to kickoff to avoid missing the opening possession.

NCAAF Matchup Prediction

According to advanced matchup modeling, the Ohio State Buckeyes enter this game as the favorite, projected with a 83% chance to win compared to a 17% probability for the USC Trojans. That projection factors in team performance, recent form, and head-to-head trends, though as any NCAAF fan knows, percentages don't play the game — the USC Trojans will have every opportunity to defy the odds on the field.

Recent Form

Momentum heading into game day tells its own story. USC Trojans have gone 3-2 over their last 5 games (W-L-W-W-L); Ohio State Buckeyes have gone 5-0 over their last 5 games (W-W-W-W-W). Recent form is often one of the most reliable indicators of how a team will perform under pressure, and both sides will be looking to carry that momentum, or reverse it, in this matchup.

Where They Stand in the NCAAF (2026 Big Ten Conference Standings)

Standings context adds another layer to this matchup. The Ohio State Buckeyes currently hold a record of - with a win percentage of . The USC Trojans sit at -, good for a win percentage. Every game at this stage of the NCAAF season carries playoff and seeding implications, which only raises the stakes for both teams involved.

Players to Watch

Individual performances are often the deciding factor in games like this. USC Trojans is paced by Jayden Maiava in passing yards (183/274, 2,302 YDS, 19 TD, 5 INT); Ohio State Buckeyes is paced by Julian Sayin in passing yards (131/192, 2,007 YDS, 19 TD, 4 INT). Keep an eye on these key contributors, as their production will likely go a long way in deciding the final outcome.

Venue & Weather Conditions

This NCAAF matchup will be played at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Temperatures on game day are expected to be around 72°F, which could play a role in how both teams approach their game plan.

Final Word

Whether you're following along for fantasy implications, playoff seeding, or simply love a good NCAAF matchup, Ohio State Buckeyes vs USC Trojans has the makings of a game worth your full attention. With the Ohio State Buckeyes favored but the USC Trojans more than capable of pulling off the upset, this is a matchup where the final score is far from a foregone conclusion.

Check back on this page for live score updates, real-time standings, and post-game recaps as soon as the final whistle blows.

Everything to Know Before Ohio State Buckeyes vs USC Trojans

How have the Ohio State Buckeyes and USC Trojans been playing lately?

Recent results tell part of the story heading into this game. USC Trojans have gone 3-2 over their last 5 games (W-L-W-W-L); Ohio State Buckeyes have gone 5-0 over their last 5 games (W-W-W-W-W). Momentum like this is one of the clearer signals of how a team might perform under pressure, though it's never a guarantee.

Where do both teams currently rank in the NCAAF standings?

Which players are worth watching in this NCAAF matchup?

USC Trojans is paced by Jayden Maiava in passing yards (183/274, 2,302 YDS, 19 TD, 5 INT); Ohio State Buckeyes is paced by Julian Sayin in passing yards (131/192, 2,007 YDS, 19 TD, 4 INT). Both of these players are worth tracking closely once the game gets underway.

Are there any injuries that could affect this matchup?

Neither team currently has any notable injury concerns heading into this matchup, based on the latest report.

Does either team have the edge heading into this game?

ESPN's Matchup Predictor gives the Ohio State Buckeyes the better chance to win, at 83%, against a 17% probability for the USC Trojans. It's a statistical projection, not a guarantee, and games like this are decided on the field, not on paper.

When and how can I watch Ohio State Buckeyes vs USC Trojans?

This NCAAF game is scheduled for 10/31 - 7:30 PM EDT. You can watch on NBC. Coverage can vary by region, so double-check local listings ahead of time.

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No. Everything on this page is public game information, scores, standings, injuries, and weather, delivered over a secure HTTPS connection. There's no login, no location access, and no personal data collected just to view scores or stats.