USC Football fans, mark your calendars - the 2026 schedule is taking shape, and it's loaded with marquee matchups, coast-to-coast travel, and a few heavyweight Big Ten showdowns that could define the Trojans’ season.
On Tuesday, the dates for 11 of USC’s 12 games were officially revealed, including all nine of their Big Ten conference clashes. One non-conference opponent is still to be finalized, and that game is expected to land in Week 0 - a potential early stage-setter before the grind begins in earnest.
Here’s how the 2026 slate is shaping up:
Saturday, Aug. 29: OPEN
Saturday, Sept. 5: vs. Fresno State
Saturday, Sept. 12: vs. Louisiana
Saturday, Sept. 19: at Rutgers
Saturday, Sept. 26: *vs.
Oregon*
Saturday, Oct. 3: *vs.
Washington*
Saturday, Oct. 10: at Penn State
Saturday, Oct. 17: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 24: at Wisconsin
Saturday, Oct. 31: *vs.
Ohio State*
**Saturday, Nov.
7:** BYE
Saturday, Nov. 14: at Indiana
Saturday, Nov. 21: vs. Maryland
Saturday, Nov. 28: at UCLA
Let’s break it down.
Front-Loaded with Opportunity
USC opens the season with back-to-back home games against Fresno State and Louisiana. While neither opponent should be overlooked, these are the kinds of matchups that give the Trojans a chance to establish rhythm, work out early-season wrinkles, and build some confidence before the real gauntlet begins.
Then comes the first road trip - and it’s a long one. A cross-country flight to face Rutgers on Sept. 19 kicks off USC’s Big Ten journey. It’s the kind of logistical challenge that comes with the new conference alignment, and how the Trojans handle the travel will be something to watch all year.
The Heart of the Schedule: Big Ten Heavyweights
From late September through October, USC dives headfirst into the teeth of the Big Ten. Oregon visits the Coliseum on Sept. 26, followed by Washington on Oct.
- These are two familiar foes from the Pac-12 days, but now they carry even more weight in the Big Ten standings.
Then it’s back on the road for a brutal two-game stretch: at Penn State on Oct. 10 and at Wisconsin on Oct. 24, sandwiched around a much-needed bye in Week 8. Both games will test USC’s physicality and depth - especially in the trenches, where Big Ten football is often won or lost.
And if that wasn’t enough, Ohio State comes to town on Halloween. A primetime showdown in the Coliseum against one of college football’s perennial powerhouses? That one has must-watch written all over it.
Closing Strong - or Surviving the Grind?
USC gets another bye on Nov. 7, which could be perfectly timed for a team that just faced Penn State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State in a four-week span. From there, the Trojans head to Indiana, host Maryland, and then close the regular season with the crosstown rivalry game at UCLA on Nov. 28.
That final stretch offers a mix of winnable games and emotional stakes. Indiana and Maryland are capable of pulling off surprises, especially at home, but USC will be favored. And then there’s the Bruins - no matter the records, that one always matters.
A Quick Look Ahead
While the focus is on 2026, it’s worth noting that USC’s future Big Ten slates are already lining up to be just as demanding.
In 2027, the Trojans will host UNLV, Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and UCLA, while traveling to Iowa, Maryland, Ohio State, and Washington.
The 2028 schedule includes home games against Fresno State, Iowa, Nebraska, Penn State, and Purdue, with road trips to Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Oregon, and UCLA.
What It All Means
USC went 9-3 overall and 7-2 in Big Ten play this past season - a strong showing in their first year in the new conference. But the 2026 schedule looks like a step up in difficulty.
There are no soft stretches. The road trips are long and physical.
The home games are loaded with playoff-caliber opponents.
But if USC wants to be a national contender, this is the kind of schedule that can get them there. Win the big ones, survive the road grind, and you’re not just in the Big Ten title conversation - you’re in the College Football Playoff mix.
The road won’t be easy. But for USC, the path is clear.