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ESPN’s FPI predicts every remaining game on USC’s 2026 schedule
By Ethan Stone
Published:
USC was the first Big Ten program to take the field in the 2026 college football season. The Trojans defeated San Jose State in front of tens of USC fans, 42-26.
Jokes aside, the Trojans were more impressive than the final score would lead you to believe. 23 of San Jose State’s 26 points were scored in the 4th quarter, after head coach Lincoln Riley had already retired starters for the afternoon.
There’s a lot to like about USC this year, especially on offense. Jayden Maiava looked the part against the Spartans on Saturday — can he continue that productivity against a tough schedule that includes Oregon, Indiana, Penn State and Ohio State?
ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) favors the Trojans to win 7 of its 11 remaining matchups this season. Here’s how ESPN’s FPI projects USC’s schedule to play out:
- Sept 4: Fresno State Bulldogs | 42-26 USC WIN
- Sept 12: Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns | 97.3% chance to win
- Sept 19: Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 82.4% chance to win
- Sept 26: Oregon Ducks | 32.6% chance to win
- Oct 3: Washington Huskies | 77.4% chance to win
- Oct 10: Penn State Nittany Lions | 46.9% chance to win
- Oct 24: Wisconsin Badgers | 76.8% chance to win
- Oct 31: Ohio State Buckeyes | 25.0% chance to win
- Nov 14: Indiana Hoosiers | 22.7% chance to win
- Nov 21: Maryland Terrapins | 92.5% chance to win
- Nov 28: UCLA Bruins | 86.1% chance to win
USC is back in action on Friday against a sneaky-good Fresno State squad.
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Tradition.