| MATCHUP | Ohio State Buckeyes | USC Trojans |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 6-1 | 6-2 |
| Spread | -6.5 -115 | +6.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | -245 | +200 |
| Total | Over 51.5 (-112) | Under 51.5 (-108) |
| Where | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA | |
| When | Saturday, October 31, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | NBC | |
The Ohio State Buckeyes and the USC Trojans meet Saturday in college football action from LA Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Here’s an Ohio State vs USC prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Ohio State vs USC 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.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
The Buckeyes have just one blemish on their schedule this year so far. That was a 24-23 loss to Texas back on September 12, but outside of that game Ohio State has been perfect. They’ve got wins over Ball State, Kent State, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland and Indiana. In seven games so far that gives the Buckeyes a 6-1 record.
In the matchup versus Indiana on October 17, the Buckeyes posted a field goal in the first quarter and a touchdown in the second for a slim halftime lead 10-7. Ohio State got into the end zone in the fourth quarter and powered out the win 19-15. QB Julian Sayin was 15-of-29 for 235 yards, two scores and two picks before leaving with an injury.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
Over on the Trojans’ side, they opened up the year on a nice four-game win streak. USC took out San Jose State, Fresno State, Louisiana and Rutgers in that time before a loss to Oregon. After wins over Washington and Penn State the Trojans lost to Wisconsin. Over eight games that gives the team a 6-2 overall record this season.
Matched up against Wisconsin last weekend, the Trojans scored a touchdown in the second quarter and went into the break with a 10-7 deficit. USC was shut out the rest of the way and limped to a tough road loss 24-7. QB Jayden Maiava was 31-of-50 for 258 yards, one TD and two picks. Taniela Tupou caught six balls for 46 yards and a TD as the leading receiver.
Ohio State Buckeyes @ USC Trojans Betting Trends: Week 9
USC Trojans Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Jayden Maiava ranks T6th amongst FBS players for passing touchdowns (19) this season.
Ohio State Buckeyes Player Prop Facts
- Julian Sayin has recorded a 120.0+ passer rating in 21 consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS.
Matchup/League Facts
- USC ranks 11th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (13.6).
- USC ranks 13th among FBS teams for average point differential in second quarters this season (+7.6).
- Ohio State has won the first quarter in each of its last seven games – longest active streak in the FBS.
- Ohio State is one of only two FBS teams to ranks top 10 in points per game and points allowed per game this season.
Ohio State vs USC Prediction
I’ll take a stab on Ohio State. The Buckeyes were able to dispatch a good Indiana team in their last game thanks to a pretty solid defensive effort. Ohio State allowed just 17 first downs and 73 rush yards alongside a couple of fumble recoveries. The offense added 19 first downs and 313 yards on the other side with a couple of picks. The Buckeyes will have to get another good effort from the defense here, but the good news is that they’ve had a couple of weeks to get ready.
As for USC, they only gave up 200 total yards, 58 pass yards and 16 first downs to Wisconsin but still lost pretty handily. The Trojans gained 241 yards on the other side, with negative-17 coming on the ground. USC had scored 25 or more points in six straight games prior to that loss, but it won’t be easy to hang points on Ohio State.