| MATCHUP | USC Trojans | Wisconsin Badgers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 14-5 | 14-5 |
| Spread | +7.5 -105 | -7.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +240 | -298 |
| Total | Over 159.5 (-110) | Under 159.5 (-110) |
| Where | Kohl Center, Madison, WI | |
| When | Sunday, January 25, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:00 PM EST | |
| TV | Peacock | |
The USC Trojans and the Wisconsin Badgers meet Sunday in college basketball action from Kohl Center in Madison. Here’s a USC vs Wisconsin prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best USC vs Wisconsin pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
USC kicked off their season with a nice 8-0 run. The Trojans would take their first loss of the year versus Washington on December 6, but then won the next four straight games after that. USC is just 2-4 in the last six games though, beating Minnesota and Maryland in that time while otherwise losing to Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue and Northwestern. That gives the Trojans a 14-5 record in 19 games so far this year.
In the Northwestern game on Wednesday, the Trojans were in the locker room sitting on a 31-28 deficit. USC didn’t get any closer than that, getting outscored 43-40 the rest of the way during a tough home loss 74-68 in the end. Leading the team in the losing effort was Nick Martinelli with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists. Tyler Kropp added 11 points and nine boards in 28 minutes.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
Over on the Wisconsin side, they logged a 4-0 run to start the year. The Badgers then went just 3-4 over the next seven though, beating Providence, Northwestern and Marquette. Wisconsin hit a 6-1 run after that, with wins over Central Michigan, Milwaukee, UCLA, Michigan, Minnesota and Rutgers alongside a lone loss to Purdue. Over the first 18 games that gave Wisconsin a 13-5 record.
Matched up against Penn State on Thursday, the Badgers didn’t have too many problems. Wisconsin was up 50-22 by the end of the first half, then cruised from there on a 49-48 run. In the end the Badgers walked away with a nice road win 98-71. John Blackwell led the team on 17 points while Nolan Winter managed to double up on 13 points and 10 rebounds.
USC Trojans @ Wisconsin Badgers Betting Trends: January 25, 2026
Why the Wisconsin Badgers will win
- Wisconsin has won 39 of its last 42 games at Kohl Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- USC has lost each of its last five day games against the Big Ten Conference.
- USC has lost the first half in each of its last three road day games against the Big Ten Conference.
Why the USC Trojans will win
- USC has won seven of its last eight day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Wisconsin has lost seven of its last eight Sunday day games against the Big Ten Conference.
USC vs Wisconsin Prediction
I’ll stick with the Badgers. Wisconsin made pretty short work in a road win over a middling Penn State team this week, hitting a nice 50.7 percent from the field with 42.9 percent (15-of-35) from outside and a 42-31 rebounding edge. The Badgers added a 42-18 advantage on points in the paint and just seven turnovers to boot. Wisconsin has won five straight games now (including one on the road over Michigan), scoring 78 or more points in each of those.
As for USC, they couldn’t quite keep pace with Northwestern in their latest home loss, thanks to shooting just 38.5 percent from the field, 15.4 percent (2-of-13) from outside and 60.5 percent (26-of-43) from the line. The 44-28 deficit in the paint didn’t help either. USC has lost consecutive games and four of the last six, scoring fewer than 69 points in each of those losses.