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USC wrapped up its 2025 season at 9-4, but the excitement faded fast. The official Big Ten schedule confirmed that the 2026 season will be a heavy test for Lincoln Riley and his Trojans.
Sports journalist Shotgun Spratling reported that USC will host Ohio State on Halloween “after the Buckeyes get a BYE,” and that the Trojans’ “three toughest opponents will have two byes and a matchup with Portland State as in the week prior” (via Shotgun Spratling). That detail alone sparked concern among USC fans.
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The Trojans’ opening game remains unannounced, but they already knew they would face last year’s Big Ten elite: Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon. The official schedule release only confirmed how challenging the climb will be for Lincoln Riley and his program.
Oregon gets a tune-up game against Portland State, an FCS opponent, before traveling to the Coliseum on September 26. The game allows Dan Lanning’s squad to knock off rust and test schemes before entering hostile territory in Los Angeles.
Ohio State also gets extra preparation time. The Buckeyes will come off a bye week before their Halloween matchup with USC. Defending national champion Indiana will have that same advantage ahead of the Trojans’ November 14 trip to Bloomington. That means Ryan Day and Curt Cignetti will show up with fresher legs and more film study, while Lincoln Riley and USC will be playing week to week.
This leads to a brutal five-game stretch that may determine the Trojans’ College Football Playoff hopes. USC must travel to Indiana and Penn State, and host Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington. All five programs are capable of disrupting playoff dreams.
October doesn’t give Lincoln Riley much relief either. Between Week 4 and Week 6, USC will host Oregon, then face Washington on October 3, before traveling to Penn State on October 10 to meet former Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. After that, USC hits a possible bye week or an unannounced non-conference game on October 17.
Oddsmakers are paying attention. FanDuel Sportsbook lists USC at +3500 to win the national title, tied with Oklahoma and Ole Miss. Meanwhile, three Big Ten schools sit ahead of the Trojans on the board: Ohio State (+650), Indiana (+700), and Oregon (+950) (via FanDuel).
The Big Ten has dominated college football recently, and many expect that trend to continue into 2026. For Lincoln Riley, the challenge now is to merge USC’s old identity with its new conference reality.
How Lincoln Riley is Building USC for 2026
To survive the Big Ten, Lincoln Riley is investing in continuity up front. USC re-signed offensive lineman Alani Noa and will return its entire starting offensive line in 2026. Elijah Paige and Justin Tauanuu will play tackle, Noa and Tobias Raymond will line up at guard, and Killian O’Connor will remain at center.
Even better, all five linemen have spent multiple seasons together in Riley’s system. In an era dominated by the transfer portal, offensive line chemistry is rare and valuable, and USC hopes it becomes a difference-maker in conference play.
Defense was a major weakness in 2025. USC finished 49th nationally in total defense at 350.8 yards allowed per game, and tied for 48th in turnovers forced with 18 (via NCAA stats). To fix that, Lincoln Riley hired former TCU head coach Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator.
There will also be familiar faces. Linebackers coach Rob Ryan is returning for the 2026 season, giving the Trojans a mix of new voices and veteran leadership on the staff.
Now, all eyes are on how Lincoln Riley and USC handle the grind of Big Ten football. If the Trojans survive their toughest stretch, they may stay in the playoff race. If not, 2026 could become a lesson in how quickly the Big Ten can humble even the biggest brands on the West Coast.
FAQ:
Why is USC’s 2026 Big Ten schedule so difficult under Lincoln Riley?
USC faces several top Big Ten teams in 2026, including Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Washington, and Penn State. Many of those opponents will have extra rest from bye weeks before playing the Trojans, making the schedule especially challenging for Lincoln Riley’s team.
Which Big Ten teams are USC’s toughest opponents in 2026?
Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon are considered USC’s toughest opponents. All three finished near the top of the Big Ten and are among the national title favorites heading into the 2026 season.
How do bye weeks affect USC’s schedule in 2026?
Ohio State and Indiana will both play USC after bye weeks, giving them more time to rest and prepare. USC, meanwhile, will be playing consecutive games, putting Lincoln Riley’s squad at a competitive disadvantage.
What is USC’s toughest stretch of games in the 2026 season?
USC’s toughest stretch includes road games at Indiana and Penn State, along with home games against Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington. These five games could decide whether Lincoln Riley and USC remain in the College Football Playoff race.
How are Lincoln Riley and USC preparing for Big Ten physicality?
Lincoln Riley is focusing on continuity along the offensive line. USC will return its entire starting offensive line in 2026, which should help the Trojans handle the physical demands of Big Ten football.
Who is USC’s new defensive coordinator for 2026?
USC hired former TCU head coach Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator. Lincoln Riley brought Patterson in to improve a defense that struggled in 2025.
How did USC’s defense perform in the 2025 season?
USC finished the 2025 season ranked 49th nationally in total defense, allowing 350.8 yards per game, and tied for 48th in turnovers forced with 18.
What are USC’s national championship odds for 2026?
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, USC has +3500 odds to win the national championship. Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon have better odds entering the season.
Can USC still make the College Football Playoff in 2026?
Yes, but it will be difficult. Lincoln Riley’s team likely needs to win most of its key Big Ten matchups and avoid major slip-ups during its toughest stretches.
What is Lincoln Riley’s biggest challenge in the Big Ten?
Lincoln Riley’s biggest challenge is adapting USC to the physical style, travel demands, and depth of competition in the Big Ten while maintaining playoff-level performance.
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