USC Trojans look to upset Penn State Nittany Lions

The USC Trojans (3-2, 2-1 Big Ten) host the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0, 2-0) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It will be the 11th meeting ever between the two historic programs, dating back to 1923, but the first as conference opponents, with the Trojans leading the series 6-4. The last time the Trojans and Nittany Lions played in the regular season was in 2000.

“We got a phenomenal opportunity in the Coliseum this week,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said.

This article will be updated live during the game. The latest news is posted below.

USC announced its team captains as quarterback Miller Moss, center Jonah Monheim, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and safety Akili Arnold.

The Trojans are 2-0 at home this season with wins over Utah State and Wisconsin – where they have outscored their opponents 86-21. The last time USC beat a top-five team in the Coliseum was against No. 3 Utah in 2015.

The Nittany Lions are making a regular-season trip beyond 2,500 miles for the first time since 1991. In the Big Ten's new look, coast-to-coast travel has become the new norm in conference play. Last week, UCLA traveled to Happy Valley, and next Saturday USC will visit Maryland.

Since 2022, Penn State is 26-1 against teams other than Ohio State and Michigan

The Trojans are hoping to keep their College Football Playoff dreams alive after losing their second game of the season last Saturday when the Minnesota Golden Gophers scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. The surprising loss dropped USC entirely out of the top 25 in the rankings. With the Trojans' playoff chances uncertain, a win over the Nittany Lions can strengthen their chances of making it to the new 12-team format.

“We have two pretty clear options,” quarterback Miller Moss said. “To double down on who we are, let's come closer together as a team and move forward this weekend with a great opportunity, or let it influence us and stop us from what we ultimately want to do.”

Defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn will coach against his alma mater, where he played from 2008 to 2011 and was a three-time honorable mention All-Big Ten selection.

“It’s exciting,” Lynn said. “You know, I haven't had a chance to see them play in person since I played there, so it'll be cool.” Two of my old teammates are on the staff, so it'll be cool to see them before and after the game. “

USC unveils an impressive list of recruits on Saturday, led by five-star 2025 quarterback Julian Lewis, five-star 2026 quarterback Ryder Lyons and five-star 2026 linebacker Tyler Atkinson. The Trojans built a lot of recruiting momentum after an impressive double-digit comeback against Wisconsin in Week 5 and are looking to do the same at home this week.

Can the Trojans pull off an upset? USC is a 5.5 point underdog at home.

This article will be updated live during the game. The latest news is posted below.