Kickoff Times and Broadcast Details
The University of Southern California has unveiled the schedule for its 2026 football campaign, confirming start times and network partners for the first four contests. The Trojans open the season on August 29 against San José State at noon Pacific Time, a matchup that will be televised on the conference’s primary broadcast partner.
A week later, USC travels to face Fresno State on September 4 at 6 p.m. Pacific, with the Bulldogs coached by Matt Entz. The series holds a 4‑1 record in favor of the Trojans, though one victory was later vacated, adding a subtle footnote to the historical context.
The following Saturday, September 12, marks the first-ever meeting with Louisiana, scheduled for an 8 p.m. Pacific start. While the game represents a new chapter for both programs, it also underscores USC’s willingness to schedule diverse opponents outside its traditional power‑conference slate.
Big Ten Conference play begins on September 19 when USC hosts Rutgers at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, which translates to 12:30 p.m. Pacific. The game will be broadcast on the conference’s flagship network, introducing the Trojans to a new set of rivalries and viewership demographics.
A highlight of the home schedule is the October 3 contest against Washington, designated as Homecoming. The Trojans boast a 69‑28‑4 record in such events, and the game will feature a special ceremony honoring alumni and current student achievements.
Beyond the early slate, USC will play seven home games in 2026, including matchups versus Oregon, Washington, Ohio State, and Maryland. The road schedule takes the team to Rutgers, Penn State, Wisconsin, Indiana, and UCLA, ensuring a balanced mix of environments throughout the season.
Fans interested in attending any of these events can purchase tickets through the official USC Trojans website, USCTrojans.com/tickets, which offers a streamlined platform for selecting seats and accessing special promotions.