The San Jose State Spartans open the 2026 season on the road against the USC Trojans in a Week Zero College Football Odds matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Specifically, it’s the seventh meeting between the two California programs and the first since USC’s 56-28 victory in 2023.
The Trojans own a perfect 6-0 series record. They enter the year under significant pressure as Lincoln Riley begins his fifth season. Still, Riley is searching for the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance. Returning quarterback Jayden Maiava provides continuity and production after a strong 2025 campaign. While a top-ranked recruiting class and experienced pieces on the offensive line suggest the Trojans should generate points early and often.
Now under new coordinator Gary Patterson, the defense remains the bigger unknown. Following years of inconsistency against stronger competition.
College Football Betting: San Jose State Spartans vs. USC Trojans
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 29, 2026, 3:00 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. |
| TV Coverage: | NBC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose State Spartans | +38½ ( -117 ) | 60½ ( -111 ) | – |  |
| USC Trojans | -38½ ( -103 ) | 60½ ( -113 ) | – | |
| ||||
The San Jose State Spartans face the USC Trojans on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in a Week Zero season opener. Specifically, kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Eastern. The online betting matchup will be played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The game will be broadcast nationally in the United States on NBC.
San Jose State Spartans vs. USC Trojans Analysis
San Jose State arrives in a different college football betting landscape under Ken Niumatalolo in his third year. The Spartans finished 3-9 in 2025, ending a brief bowl streak. As a result, the Spartans had a significant roster overhaul through the transfer portal. In addition to a new defensive coordinator, Bojay Filimoeatu.
The quarterback competition remains unsettled with Hawaii transfer Luke Weaver among the leading candidates. And the defense is being rebuilt after ranking near the bottom of the country against the pass a year ago. Special teams appear more stable. But the overall roster lacks experience and depth relative to a Big Ten power.
Meanwhile, for USC, this is the ideal low-stakes opener to shake off rust. The Trojans must evaluate freshmen and build early momentum before a demanding non-conference and Big Ten slate.
For San Jose State, it is a difficult early measuring stick on a national stage that could set the tone for a season focused on finding consistency. In addition to competing for bowl eligibility in a reconfigured Mountain West. The talent and scheme gaps heavily favor the home team. Early-season execution and the unique timing of a Week Zero game always introduce a degree of uncertainty.
SBG Free Picks
To conclude, the number is too large for Wise Guys to step out on with confidence. USC has the firepower to win by forty or more if it stays aggressive. Yet these types of mismatches often see the favorite ease off the gas in the second half once the outcome is decided. Especially in a Week Zero game where evaluating depth and getting young players snaps becomes the priority. By contrast, taking the points with San Jose State offers little upside given how thoroughly the Spartans are outmatched.
The total is the clearer play. USC has a strong history of lighting up Group of Five and lesser opponents early in the season under Riley. In turn, San Jose State’s defense is still a work in progress and is likely to surrender big plays and yards. While the Spartans’ own offense should manage enough scoring to push the combined total higher.
Thus, the over aligns with both historical trends and the expected game script. To show, a high-powered home team pushing the pace against an overmatched visitor.
SBG Best Bet: San Jose State and USC Under the Total.