The 2026 season has become a make-or-break year for the USC Trojans, who sit at a crossroads after a loss to Oregon but still retain a slim chance at the College Football Playoff. To stay alive, the Trojans must secure victories over either Ohio State or Indiana, two programs that loom as the gatekeepers of the Big Ten’s playoff slots.
The October 17 clash
The game between Ohio State and Indiana on October 17 is being billed as the Big Ten’s marquee matchup of the year. It is a rematch of the 2025 championship, where Indiana edged Ohio State 13‑10, and the stakes are amplified by the ripple effect it will have on USC’s schedule.
If Ohio State emerges victorious, the pressure on the Buckeyes in their subsequent road test at USC is expected to ease, making that November 31 encounter less existential for the Trojans. Conversely, an Indiana win would turn the USC game into a must‑win for Ohio State, potentially reshaping the entire playoff picture.
USC’s own slate includes a home game against Ohio State on October 31 and a later showdown with Indiana on November 14. The team will have a rare rest week after seven straight contests, giving them a chance to regroup before the critical stretch. Analysts suggest that an Ohio State victory over Indiana is the outcome that best preserves USC’s playoff hopes, as it reduces the Buckeyes’ urgency and keeps the Trojans’ path clearer.