Ohio State arrives in Los Angeles as one of the top-ranked teams in the country with a 6-1 College Football Odds record. And they boast a perfect 4-0 mark in Big Ten play under coach Ryan Day. OSU rebounded from an early loss at Texas with a series of wins. Including a road victory over Indiana.
The Buckeyes enter on a bye week after that contest. But they will be without starting quarterback Julian Sayin, who is sidelined with an injury. Hence, placing the offense in the hands of freshman Luke Fahey for his first career start in a high-stakes environment.
Overall, USC, coached by Lincoln Riley, sits at 6-2. Following a recent loss at Wisconsin, USC is 3-2 in conference play. Now it will host the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Troy is seeking to bounce back and keep its postseason hopes alive. The Trojans have shown offensive capability behind quarterback Jayden Maiava. And they bring a solid receiving corps. However, defensive consistency has been an issue at times.
Historically, the series has been competitive, with USC holding a slight all-time edge. Last time the teams met was in the 2017 Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State prevailed. Their most recent regular-season meeting in Los Angeles was a USC win in 2008.
For Ohio State, the game is a chance to prove its depth without its primary quarterback. And to maintain its path toward the playoff. USC needs a strong home performance to reverse recent momentum. Also, USC needs to strengthen its position in a crowded Big Ten race.
The College Football Betting matchup carries significance for both programs. Especially as a prime-time Big Ten contest on Halloween night with national implications.
Ohio State Buckeyes at USC Trojans Matchup Analysis NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, October 31, 2026, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time |
|---|---|
| Location: | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. |
| TV Coverage: | NBC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State Buckeyes | -6½ ( -112 ) | 51½ ( -115 ) | -250 |  |
| USC Trojans | +6½ ( -108 ) | 51½ ( -105 ) | +200 | |
| ||||
The Ohio State Buckeyes visit the USC Trojans on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Online Wagering matchup is televised on NBC in the United States.
Ohio State Buckeyes at USC Trojans Matchup Analysis
On the whole, the matchup centers on Ohio State’s elite defense and the challenge of installing a new quarterback. USC’s explosive but inconsistent offense faces the challenge of playing in a loud Coliseum environment.
With Julian Sayin sidelined, freshman Luke Fahey steps in for his first start. While he has shown arm talent and athleticism in limited action, the Buckeyes will likely lean more on their ground game. Also, they’ll lean on playmakers like receiver Jeremiah Smith to ease the transition. And avoid forcing throws against USC’s secondary.
Of course, Ohio State’s defense ranks among the nation’s best. They limit opponents to low point totals and rank high in efficiency metrics. That could neutralize USC quarterback Jayden Maiava’s strong passing numbers. As well as the Trojans’ ability to generate explosive plays downfield.
Maiava has been productive with high completion rates and multiple touchdowns. But USC’s defense has been more vulnerable. As a result, it has allowed more yards and points than Ohio State’s unit. It has struggled at times against balanced attacks.
To summarize, the tactical edge may rest on whether Fahey can manage the game without turnovers. And whether Ohio State’s front can generate pressure to disrupt Maiava’s timing. Or if USC’s receivers can exploit any communication lapses in a Buckeyes secondary adjusting to a new signal-caller.
SBG Free Picks
In conclusion, Wise Guys lean toward USC plus the points at home. The Trojans can take advantage of Ohio State’s quarterback transition with Luke Fahey making his first start. And the potential for a more conservative Buckeyes offense that struggles to pull away on the road. Finally, for the total, the under is the preferred Sharp’s lean.
SBG Best Bet: USC Trojans and Under the Total.