The USC Trojans schedule for next season is rough, there's no other way to look at it. But the Trojans did receive some good news with schedule release, no Friday night games next season.
USC has a rough slate, however, in 2026 the Trojans do not play any Friday night games, after playing one each of the past two seasons. Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images USC coach Lincoln Riley was outspoken about his displeasure of Friday night games. Especially last season, after they played Nebraska late Saturday night and did not return todealing with a shorter week. The latter part is critical, especially considering how hard the Trojans were hit with injuries in 2025 and then for this season, playing a slew of tough games. Fans have also expressed their disappointment in Friday night games for various reasons. Starting with having to deal with regular rush hour traffic in the heart of downtown Los Angeles on a Friday night, and competing with Crypto.com Arena for a Los Angeles Lakers game, which is located just 2.5 miles from the Coliseum.MORE: USC's Makai Lemon Paired With Underrated NFL Quarterback In Recent Mock Draft Not to mention, any event that might be taking place at the Forum or SoFi Stadium or a Clippers game at Intuit Dome, which are just nine miles away from the Coliseum and could interfere with everyday traffic. In 2024, USC defeated Rutgers in week 9. On that same night, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium, which is less than six miles away. The Lakers won at Crypto, there was also a high school football game at SoFi and a concert at the Forum, creating a nightmare traffic situation for anyone in the area.Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans running back King Miller runs the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images USC and Notre Dame did not renew their annual rivalry, which leaves the Trojans an open spot on their schedule. The first bye will come on Oct. 17, the weekend after they make their first cross-country trip to Penn State in week 6. The second comes after they host Ohio State on Halloween, and prepare for their highly anticipated matchup against Indiana on No. 14. Both teams will be coming off a bye for that contest. Nov 1, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Jadyn Walker reacts after a stop against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images The Trojans want to keep their two bye weeks, which every team had in 2025 but not this season. They made a huge difference last season. It allowed them to reset and refocus as a team and get healthier. USC is locked in on having a week zero matchup. San Jose State, UMass, Air Force and New Mexico are the top choices to fill that spot. Southern Cal has never played an FCS opponent and they don’t plan on.Kendell Hollowell, a Southern California native has been been covering collegiate athletics since 2020 via radio and digital journalism. His experience includes covering programs such as the USC Trojans, Vanderbilt Commodores and Alabama Crimson Tide. Kendell He also works in TV production for the NFL Network. Prior to working in sports journalism, Kendell was a collegiate athlete on the University of Wyoming and Adams State football team. He is committed to bringing in-depth insight and analysis for USC athletics.
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