The No. 14 USC Trojans are set to face the Fresno State Bulldogs on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Why it matters: This matchup marks a key early season game for both teams in the newly reconstructed Pac-12. USC aims to solidify its position as a contender, whereas Fresno State seeks to prove itself against ranked competition.
USC opened the season with a 42-26 victory over San Jose State, highlighting its offensive potential.
Fresno State enters this game after a strong finish to the previous season, winning four of its last five games in 2025.
This game is particularly important for Fresno State, which is looking for its first win against USC since 1992.
Driving the news: The Trojans come into this game with high expectations after their season opener. Discussions around the team have recently centered on fan attendance and engagement, especially after a sparsely filled stadium during their last game.
Last week’s game against San Jose State saw a near-empty Coliseum, attributed to scorching temperatures and possible fan apathy.
Temperatures for the upcoming game are expected to be more favorable, potentially increasing attendance.
USC's head coach Lincoln Riley has emphasized the importance of a strong home-field advantage.
State of play: The Trojans have been dominant at home in nonconference games under Riley, boasting a 9-1 record, averaging 52.8 points per game in those matchups.
Fresno State, now a member of the Pac-12, has struggled historically against top-ranked teams, holding a 2-25 record against teams ranked in the AP top 15.
In their last eight games against Big Ten opponents, they hold a 1-7 record.
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava was impressive in the opener, completing 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns.
The big picture: This game is not just a test for USC but also a chance for Fresno State to establish itself in the new Pac-12 environment.
Fresno State's head coach Matt Entz, a former USC linebackers coach, will be looking to leverage his knowledge of the Trojans to his advantage.
The Bulldogs' running game will be key, with running backs Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson expected to play a large role.
USC has a five-game winning streak over Fresno State, including a vacated win from 2005.
What they're saying: Analysts and coaches have weighed in on the significance of this matchup for both teams.
"This is a game USC cannot afford to lose if they want to maintain their playoff aspirations," said John Brice, a sports analyst.
Entz believes in his team's ability to compete, stating, "We can show up and compete with any team, anywhere."
Fans are hopeful for improved attendance, with one local fan commenting, "We need to rally behind our team, especially in these early games."
By the numbers: The statistics from the previous game and predictions set the stage for this matchup.
USC leads the all-time series against Fresno State 5-0 over the last five meetings.
The Trojans are favored by 21.5 points, indicating strong confidence from betting analysts.
USC averaged 9.6 yards per play against San Jose State, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
What's next: Following this matchup, USC will look to continue its momentum as the season progresses.
USC will face tougher opponents in the coming weeks, making this game a must-win to build confidence.
Fresno State aims to bounce back quickly, needing to leverage this game as a stepping stone for their season.
The game will be broadcast on FOX and available for streaming on Fubo and DIRECTV, with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.