Full guide to Rutgers vs USC: How to watch, weather, odds, history and more

The USC Trojans are gearing up for their first road game of the season, heading to New Jersey to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to kickoff conference play. Having successfully navigated a perfect 3-0 non-conference slate, the Trojans look to maintain their momentum and extend their winning streak on the road.

Buoyed by the undefeated start, USC has climbed two spots in the national rankings to sit at No. 12. As one of only three Big Ten programs currently ranked within the top twelve, the Trojans enter this matchup with significant momentum. On the other side, Rutgers has lost its first two games and faces an uphill battle to earn national recognition or even a bowl bid.

When and Where is USC vs Rutgers

Matchup: No. 12 USC (3-0, 0-0 B1G) vs Rutgers (0-2, 0-0 Big Ten)

Date: Saturday, Sep. 19th, 2026

Kick: 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET)

Where: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, N.J.

TV: CBS

Streaming: FuboTV 

Radio: ESPN LA 710

Betting Odds for USC vs. Rutgers

USC enters the matchup as a -24.5 point favorite with the over/under set at 59.5. Fans should check their preferred sportsbook for the latest odds and updates.

Betting odds are subject to change

Weather Forecast for USC vs. Rutgers

Game-time conditions in Piscataway, New Jersey is expected to be a mixture of clouds and sunshine with the high in the low 70s and into the mid-60s earlier in the evening. The wind will be out of the east at 5 to 10 mph.

USC and Rutgers Previous Results

• The USC Trojans enter this matchup fresh off a dominant 39-20 victory over Louisiana. For the third consecutive game, the Trojans controlled the tempo from start to finish, never allowing their opponent to threaten the lead. Tight end Mark Bowman and receiver Trent Mosley were the offensive standouts, while quarterback Jayden Maiava delivered a career-high performance, throwing five touchdown passes.

• Rutgers suffered a 28-21 loss to Boston College last week in an emotionally charged matchup between two programs with deep ties to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The Scarlet Knights were unable to recover from a sluggish first quarter, with quarterback AJ Surace throwing four interceptions in the defeat.

USC vs. Rutgers Series History

The USC Trojans and Rutgers Scarlet Knights have met only once, during a 2024 Friday night clash in Los Angeles. If the game feels like a distant memory, it is likely because it took place on the same historic evening that Freddie Freeman hit his iconic walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series.

The Trojans won that matchup 42-20.

Key Storylines and Matchup Notes for USC and Rutgers

• As the Trojans enter conference play ranked No. 12, they are in a great position to build on their early-season momentum. However, with many fans and observers already looking ahead to next week’s prime time matchup against Oregon, the team must remain disciplined and fully focused on the task at hand against Rutgers.

• The Trojans will look to establish a consistent running game, as this Rutgers team, though winless remains a formidable opponent, especially in the trenches. After a strong performance on the ground last week, USC aims to maintain that momentum and control the line of scrimmage once again.

• Rutgers is desperate for a win, and their best path to success lies in exploiting the passing game. Wide receiver KJ Duff is a potent threat who could create significant challenges for a USC secondary that has shown vulnerabilities in coverage thus far.

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