Laying out all the potential options for USC's Week Zero opponent

USC’s conference schedule is out, and while most teams around the country already have their 12-game slates locked in, the Trojans are still searching for a replacement for the Notre Dame series. With 11 games already on the schedule, the Trojans are looking to add one more, a third non-conference matchup to complete the lineup.

USC is reportedly aiming for a Week Zero matchup against an FBS opponent, keeping alive its long-standing tradition of only facing FBS teams. The list of potential schools that fit both criteria isn’t huge, but it’s far from small either.

Trojans are likely to play G6 opponent in Week Zero

San Jose State and Nevada both make perfect sense for this list. They’re regional rivals with a history of scheduling games against USC, and in fact, USC faced both teams in 2023. That familiarity, combined with the ease of securing a waiver for the Week Zero slot, makes the process pretty straightforward.

Rice is another familiar name on the list, as the Owls visited Los Angeles in 2022 during Lincoln Riley’s first year at USC. Like San Jose State and Nevada, Rice brings a sense of familiarity, and if USC wants to host a Texas school at the Coliseum, they’d be a solid choice.

Is the potential rebirth of an old Pac-12 rivalry still on the table?

The Trojans might open their season with a non-conference Week Zero matchup against California, bringing back The Weekender rivalry. It would be an instant hit with fans and could easily be the most exciting Week Zero game of the year. Whether both schools are interested in reviving the rivalry after the Pac-12 split is still uncertain, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. Facing an ACC opponent would also be a big deal, and a win could give the season a fantastic boost right out of the gate.

It is clear that the Trojans have options for this game and they are evaluating all angles. I am not sure when the game will be announced, but news is expected soon.