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No. 21 USC Visits No. 23 Illinois in First Ranked Test of Season

The matchup serves as a gauge for USC’s unbeaten start and Illinois’ response after a blowout setback as the Trojans enter a tougher stretch of their schedule.

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)
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer throws during the first half against Indiana on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Overview

  • Kickoff is noon ET Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on FOX, with USC favored by 6.5 points and the total at 60.5 per SportsLine consensus.
  • USC is 4-0 after a 45-31 win over Michigan State, while Illinois is 3-1 following a 63-10 loss at Indiana in its Big Ten opener.
  • Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava has completed 70.8% for 1,223 yards with nine touchdowns and no interceptions through four games, complementing RB Waymond Jordan’s 443 rushing yards.
  • Illinois is dealing with a major secondary blow as All–Big Ten cornerback Xavier Scott is likely out for the season, and USC wideout Ja’Kobi Lane is questionable.
  • USC is tied for the national lead with 16 sacks, a pressure point for Illinois after Luke Altmyer was sacked seven times against Indiana, as analysts frame the game as a prove-it opportunity for the Trojans and models project a high-scoring tilt.