Full guide to San Jose State vs USC: How to watch, weather, odds, history and more

USC opens its 2026 season on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, hosting the San Jose State Spartans in a Week Zero matchup.

As projected contenders in the College Football Playoff picture, the Trojans will look to start their season strong with a dominant performance in front of the home crowd.

When and Where is USC vs San Jose State

Matchup: No. 14 USC (0-0, 0-0 B1G) vs San Jose State (0-0, 0-0 MWC)

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Kick: 12:00 p.m. PT (3:00 p.m. ET)

Where: United Airlines Field at L.A. Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles Coliseum

TV: NBC

Streaming: FuboTV 

Radio: ESPN LA 710

Rankings for USC and San Jose State

USC enters the 2026 campaign tied with BYU at No. 14 in the preseason AP poll, looking to build on a 2025 season where they finished ranked No. 20. Meanwhile, the San Jose State Spartans open the year unranked as they prepare to navigate a newly reshaped Mountain West Conference.

Betting Odds for USC vs. San Jose State

USC enters the matchup as a 38.5-point favorite on FanDuel and is listed at -10000 on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 60.5. Fans should check their preferred sportsbook for the latest odds and updates.

Weather Forecast for USC vs. San Jose State

Game-time conditions in Los Angeles are expected to be sunny, with temperatures around 90°F, clear skies and calm winds.

USC and San Jose State Previous Results

This is the first game of the season for both teams. The Trojans finished 9-4 in 2025, losing to TCU in the Alamo Bowl to end the season. San Jose State went 3-9 and did not make a postseason bowl.

USC vs. San Jose State Series History

USC and San Jose State have faced each other six times, with the Trojans winning all six of those contests. Their most recent meeting came in 2023, where USC dominated the Spartans, winning 56-28.

Key Storylines and Matchup Notes for USC and San Jose State

• USC scheduled San Jose State for Week 0 to fill the vacancy left by the pause in the Notre Dame rivalry series. While that historic matchup is set to resume in 2030, San Jose State serves as the primary replacement for the Irish on the 2026 calendar.

• Following an undefeated home record last season, the Trojans are eager to extend that dominance as they kick off a three-game homestand against San Jose State.

• Quarterback Jayden Maiava returns for his final college season and third year at USC, looking to build on a 2025 campaign where he led the nation in QBR and topped several other passing categories. As the centerpiece of Lincoln Riley’s offense, Maiava is expected to remain the primary catalyst for a unit projected to be among the most high-powered in the country.

• This season opener marks the debut of Gary Patterson as USC's defensive coordinator. The coaching legend joined the staff this off-season following D'Anton Lynn's departure to Penn State, and fans will be eager to see how the Trojans' defense performs under his leadership.

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