Predicting for USC's 2026 schedule: Can the Trojans do enough to make the CFP?

The Trojans’ 2026 conference schedule is set after the Big Ten released the full slate for all members on Jan. 27. They currently have 11 games lined up, still finalizing their third non-conference matchup. Even so, the schedule offers a much clearer idea of what lies ahead for the Trojans in 2026.

USC faces toughest schedule in the Big Ten

Aug. 29: TBD - W

This game will likely be a matchup against a Group of Six opponent. USC has never faced a non-FBS team, and the expectation is that the administration would prefer to keep that tradition going.

Sept. 5: vs Fresno State - W

A familiar face in Mike Entz and the Bulldogs returns as USC hosts the Northern California school once again. The Bulldogs are always ready for a battle and won’t make things easy for the Trojans. With a significant talent advantage, USC should be able to put points on the board with relative ease throughout the game.

Sept. 12: vs Louisiana - W

Louisiana finished the 2025 season with a 6-7 record, highlighted by a ten-point loss to eventual College Football Playoff contender James Madison. Even so, the Trojans hold a clear talent edge in this matchup, and USC is expected to win big.

Sept. 19: at Rutgers - W

USC’s first road game of the season takes them coast to coast. While the Trojans have had trouble with games like this in the past, their talent should be enough to pull off a win. Still, it could turn into a trap game if they lose focus.

Sept. 26: vs Oregon - W

USC heads into this matchup with an undefeated record, and there’s a good chance College GameDay might roll into campus this weekend. It’s shaping up to be a heavyweight battle the Trojans need to win. They went unbeaten at home last year and will be playing their fourth home game in the first five weeks. I’m leaning toward the Trojans, especially since both teams are returning their efficient quarterbacks from last season.

Oct. 3: vs Washington - W

The Big Ten set USC up well, giving the Trojans two home games against West Coast opponents. My pick for them in this game is rooted in the same reasons I chose them over Oregon. Lincoln Riley has been excellent at home in the Big Ten, with USC’s only loss being an overtime defeat to a strong Penn State team. Facing Demond Williams might be intimidating for many USC fans, but the Trojans have a track record of success in the Coliseum, and I’m sticking with them until they prove me otherwise.

Oct 10: at Penn State - L

I’m betting this game will be a whiteout, with D’Anton Lynn’s defense fired up and ready to go. I can see the Trojans slipping into spectator mode, caught up in the full effect of the whiteout. While I’m sure they’ll have a solid game plan in place, there are a lot of young players expected to step up in 2026, and I’m not convinced they have the experience yet to handle such a hostile environment.

Oct. 24: at Wisconsin - W

USC will play its second straight road game, but luckily it’s broken up by a bye week. The Trojans will need to show some physicality, yet they have a great chance to win simply by outscoring the Badgers. With better coaching and talent, they have the edge. Randall Camp Stadium is loud, but it’s not Beaver Stadium whiteout loud. I like the Trojans to win this one.

Oct. 31 vs Ohio State - L

Another heavyweight showdown for the Trojans, a clash of blue bloods with the added advantage of playing at home. It would have been amazing to see Makai Lemon and Jeremiah Smith on the same field, but even without that, there will be five-star talent and future NFL draft picks at nearly every position throughout the game. USC thrives at home, and while Ohio State might feel the effects of the travel, they’re battle-tested. USC, on the other hand, has yet to prove they can win a game of this magnitude. Hopefully, that changes.

Nov. 14: at Indiana - W

The Trojans are coming off a bye week and will be hungry for a win after their loss to Ohio State. A third defeat could knock them out of the college football playoff race. They’ll be playing with urgency, and Indiana will be in their crosshairs. Curt Cignetti is an outstanding coach, but USC likely has more talent than the Hoosiers. In the end, talent often prevails, and that might be what happens here.

Nov. 21: vs Maryland - W

USC had a tough time the last time they traveled to Maryland, and the Trojans will be hoping the long journey works against the Terrapins this time. The storyline so far is that USC is outstanding at home, and that reputation goes beyond just last season. By this point in the year, Jayden Maiava should be firing on all cylinders, with the talent to put up big numbers and lead USC to some key late-season victories.

Nov. 28: at UCLA - W

The Trojans have taken the last two matchups against the Bruins, and I don’t see USC losing anytime soon. UCLA is entering a new era with fresh staff and players. I’m not saying they won’t improve because it’s almost inevitable, but I just don’t think they can keep up with a Trojans squad that might be facing a win-and-in scenario in the final week of the season.

Season prediction: 10-2

USC has a brutal schedule in 2026, even with Notre Dame dropping out of the series. The Trojans will have an experienced quarterback leading the way, but the rest of the roster is young and still has plenty to learn before the season kicks off. They could easily start strong, especially if they take down the Ducks early, but facing Ohio State and Indiana late in the year could get messy. USC will have to bring their A-game every single week to stay in the mix.