If there is one game on Indiana's regular season schedule that is flying under the radar when it shouldn't be, it's the November 14 matchup against USC.
Back-to-back matchups against Ohio State and Michigan are drawing all of the attention, but Indiana hosting USC in Week 11 has sneaky Game of the Year potential. Not many are talking about it right now, but by the time this matchup comes around, a lot could be on the line.
With fall camp now underway, let's take an early look at what the Trojans bring to the table this season.
Lincoln Riley entering make-or-break season at USC
Lincoln Riley's tenure at USC has been an interesting one. He's brought his potent offense and high-flying approach to Southern California, which has been all fine and dandy if you're a Trojan fan. However, the defense has been a wild roller coaster that has ultimately held the program back. Plus, Riley has struggled to win the big games that would have given USC the big step up it's been desperately looking for.
Stephen Daley's return to Indiana is more meaningful than you think
Now entering Year 6, Riley is still searching for his defining season with the Trojans. USC went 9-3 and just missed the CFP last season, and the Trojans are still searching for their first playoff appearance under Riley's leadership. With that in mind, there's no denying that the upcoming season is a massive one for Riley.
The Trojan offense is locked and loaded for another big year
Like most Lincoln Riley-led teams, the offense continues to hum at USC. Last year, the Trojans led the Big Ten in total offense, and they are primed for another monster campaign with star QB Jayden Maiava back this season. Maiava ranked 5th in the country with 3,711 passing yards last season, and his presence has the Trojan offense in a solid spot. He has a strong group of wide receivers to throw to, and the offensive line returns plenty of production from last year.
USC's incoming recruiting class is No. 1 in the country
Riley and the Trojans boast the No. 1 recruiting class in the country for 2026 according to Rivals. The class is led by 5-star prospects OT Keenyi Pepe, EDGE Luke Wafle, and DL Jaimeon Winfield, and in total, the class features 22 blue chip recruits. With so much incoming talent from the high school ranks, it will be interesting to see how many players in USC's incoming recruiting class make an immediate impact this season. In total,
Gary Patterson is now leading the USC defense
Like usual, Riley needs to get more from his defense. The good news is that help is on the way in the form of new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. The former TCU head coach takes over a Trojan team that ranked 49th in total defense last season. With some key pieces returning, Patterson figures to improve that number in 2026. He's among the best defensive minds out there, and bringing him to USC could be exactly what Riley needs to get the Trojans.
Indiana vs USC score prediction
USC: 31
Indiana: 34
Add us as a preferred source on Google