Overview
- Kickoff is 9 p.m. ET at the Alamodome in San Antonio on ESPN.
- Betting markets list USC around a 6.5-point favorite, with moneyline prices near USC -230 and TCU +190 reported earlier this week.
- TCU starter Josh Hoover has entered the transfer portal, so sixth-year senior Ken Seals gets the nod after limited action since transferring from Vanderbilt.
- USC will be without several key contributors, including receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, tight end Lake McRee, safety Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry, with offensive linemen Elijah Paige and Kilian O’Connor also sidelined.
- Quarterback Jayden Maiava, who announced he will return next season, leads a Trojans team using the game as a live evaluation for younger players and 2026 roles.