USC’s 2026 football slate opens with a test that few programs face in a single season.
A schedule that tests depth and resolve
CBS Sports has ranked the Trojans’ opening three-game stretch as the 12th-toughest in the nation, a trio that pits them against Oregon, Washington and Penn State in quick succession.
The Oregon matchup arrives first, a game that analysts say will hinge on perfect communication across the defensive line, where Oregon’s pace and spacing force every snap to be synchronized.
Washington follows in Los Angeles, turning the Coliseum into a hostile environment for the Ducks, before the team travels to State College for a road test against Penn State.
After the trio, USC will head to Wisconsin and later host Ohio State, adding two more power-conference opponents to a schedule that already looks like a gauntlet.
What’s at stake
Coaches and analysts agree that a 2-1 record, or even a 3-0 sweep, could catapult the Trojans into the conversation for the Pac-12 title and a playoff spot, while any stumble could reshape the entire season narrative.
The performance in these games will define the Trojans’ trajectory, shaping recruiting momentum, fan engagement and the legacy of the coaching staff.