USC and Rutgers have shared a Big Ten roof for two years without ever playing a conference game against each other — that changes Saturday, September 19, when the Trojans open Big Ten play in Piscataway.
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USC brings back its top offensive pieces from the Big Ten's best attack a year ago, while Rutgers still has to prove a defense that finished 127th nationally can hang with a Power 4 offense of this caliber. The Trojans handled Rutgers 42-20 the last time out, and there's little reason to expect a full turnaround from a program breaking in a new coordinator and a new quarterback at the same time. Back USC to win this one.
USC
+No. 1 total offense in Big Ten last season
+Returns veteran QB Jayden Maiava plus O-line
+Nation's No. 1 recruiting class arrives
−Riley still hasn't reached CFP in 4 years
−Defense unproven under new coordinator Gary Patterson
−True Big Ten road test to open slate
Rutgers
+Returning 1,241-yard rusher Antwan Raymond back
+KJ Duff gives Lonergan a proven big-play target
+Home opener, first crack with new QB
−Defense ranked 127th nationally a year ago
−Brand new DC and rebuilt secondary untested
−Pass protection was a mess in 2025
Jayden Maiava returns under center for Lincoln Riley after piloting the Big Ten's most productive offense a year ago, and USC now pairs that continuity with the nation's No. 1 recruiting class. Rutgers counters with a full offensive makeover: Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan steps in at quarterback for the departed Athan Kaliakmanis, tasked with getting the ball to a proven playmaker duo in Antwan Raymond and KJ Duff.
The bigger question in Piscataway is whether Greg Schiano's retooled defense can hold up. Rutgers finished 127th nationally on that side of the ball a year ago, prompting the hire of new coordinator Travis Johansen and a near-complete overhaul of the secondary. Throwing that unit at a USC offense that led the Big Ten in yardage last season is about as tough a season-opening conference test as it gets.
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RUTG Rutgers
USC has recent history on its side, too — the Trojans beat Rutgers 42-20 the last time these programs met, back in 2024, before either counted as a Big Ten opponent. But this is Rutgers' actual Big Ten opener at home, with a new quarterback trying to make a first impression and a defense that has nowhere to hide against this level of offensive firepower.
USC Trojans
Sep 12?vs Louisiana—
Sep 4?vs Fresno State—
Aug 29?vs San José State—
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Sep 11?@ Boston College—
Sep 3?vs Massachusetts—
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For Riley, this is about proving USC's ceiling actually matches its talent. Four years into his tenure the Trojans still haven't reached the College Football Playoff, and after landing the country's top recruiting class, patience is thinner than ever. A clean, no-drama road win to open conference play is exactly the kind of result that quiets the noise — anything less and the questions about this program's identity only get louder.
