The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be a rigorous test for the USC Trojans, whose schedule ESPN’s Football Power Index currently ranks as the 19th most difficult in the nation. The slate is highlighted by a series of high‑profile matchups that could define the team’s playoff trajectory.
Key matchups to watch
Conference play will bring the Trojans face‑to‑face with traditional powerhouses such as Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon. All three programs have recent playoff pedigrees — Ohio State captured the 2024 national title, Indiana won it in 2025, and Oregon has consistently challenged USC, winning four straight meetings and seven of the last eight.
Outside the Big Ten, USC’s non‑conference opponents all carry negative FPI ratings, underscoring the relative weakness of that portion of the schedule. The contrast between a demanding conference slate and a comparatively easier out‑of‑conference window sets the stage for a pivotal season.
USC’s own FPI rating stands at 17.0, placing them fourth highest among Big Ten teams. This metric reflects both the strength of their opponents and the team’s own projected performance, suggesting that the Trojans have the talent to compete, but must execute against elite competition.
Playoff odds and betting landscape
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Trojans’ odds to secure a College Football Playoff spot sit at +240, a price that reflects both the challenging schedule and the team’s historical aspirations. The betting market thus positions USC as a long‑shot contender, but one with a clear path if they can string together quality wins.
Beyond the numbers, the schedule revives a storied rivalry with Notre Dame, a series that dates back to 1926 and includes 96 all‑time meetings. Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish’s head coach, brings his own brand of intensity to a game that could further influence the Trojans’ playoff calculus.
Coaching storylines
Lincoln Riley, now in his second year at USC, faces the immediate pressure of translating preseason expectations into on‑field results. Across the field, Dan Lanning prepares his Oregon squad for another clash with the Trojans, while Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame team remains a perennial obstacle. The convergence of these coaches’ narratives adds a compelling human element to the upcoming battles.