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52m ago

No. 21 USC Visits No. 23 Illinois for Big Noon Top-25 Matchup

Injuries in both secondaries shape a nationally televised noon ET kickoff on FOX.

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USC defensive end Jahkeem Stewart (4) celebrates with teammates after tackling Michigan State running back Makhi Frazier (not pictured) for a loss in the first half Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Overview

  • Kickoff is set for noon ET at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft on the FOX broadcast.
  • Oddsmakers list USC as a single-digit favorite, generally 6.5 to 7 points, with a moneyline around -250 and totals near 60 points.
  • Illinois loses starting cornerback Xavier Scott for the season following surgery, while USC lists WR Ja'Kobi Lane as questionable and will be without CB Alex Graham this week as CB Prophet Brown remains sidelined for weeks.
  • USC enters 4-0 and faces its first ranked opponent behind QB Jayden Maiava (1,223 yards, 9 TDs, 0 INTs), RB Waymond Jordan (443 rushing yards) and WR Makai Lemon (Big Ten leader in receptions and yards).
  • Illinois is 3-1 after a 63-10 loss at Indiana in which QB Luke Altmyer was sacked seven times, and the programs meet for the first time since USC's 2008 Rose Bowl win with the Trojans holding an 11-2 series lead.