The USC Trojans will host the Fresno State Bulldogs at the Coliseum on Friday night in a Week 1 college football matchup on FOX.
USC comes into this Week 1 tilt with a game already under its belt, after beating San Jose State 42-26 in Week 0.
Considering the Trojans entered the game as 38.5-point favorites, the final score doesn’t look all that impressive — but it also doesn’t tell the full story.
USC pulled its starters in the fourth quarter, and San Jose State proceeded to outscore the Trojans 23-7.
The bright side for USC was the play of Jayden Maiava, who completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. True freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley also showed out in his college debut, catching seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Fresno State will make its 2026 debut after going 9-4 last season. Fourth-year junior Jayden Mandal has been named the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback and will make just his second collegiate start.
Fresno State also returns seven starters from one of the best defenses in the country last season. The Bulldogs ranked second in the FBS in passing defense (153.8 YPG allowed), fifth in interceptions (20), sixth in opponent completion percentage (53.8%), seventh in takeaways (26) and rushing touchdowns allowed (9), and 10th in total defense (285.7 YPG allowed). They also led the Mountain West in passing defense, interceptions, takeaways and total defense.
Can Fresno State stifle USC’s high-powered offense?
Let’s take a look at the odds for USC vs. Fresno State at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 4.
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Moneyline
- USC: -2500 (bet $10 to win $10.40 total)
- Fresno State: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Unfold
- USC -21.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
- Fresno State +21.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Over/Underneath
- Over 51.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
- Under 51.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Fresno St. @ No. 14 USC Prediction, Choose
From FOX Sports activities Analysis:
This season looks like make or break for USC. The Trojans are nonetheless in search of their first School Soccer Playoff look beneath Lincoln Riley, and with Riley now getting into his fifth season as head coach, the stress is on. Maiava seemed sharp in Week 0, after main the Large Ten with 3,711 passing yards in 2025. USC additionally signed the No. 1 recruiting class within the nation this offseason, and that younger expertise was on full show within the opener. The Trojans began 5 true freshmen, with a number of others seeing vital taking part in time. Whereas Fresno State’s protection can pose a problem, its spectacular numbers from final season did not come in opposition to an offense with USC’s expertise. And with Bulldogs beginning quarterback Mandal making simply his second profession begin in the sort of surroundings, it is troublesome to see Fresno State conserving tempo. Take the Trojans to win large.
The Choose: USC -21.5
Find out how to Watch USC vs. Fresno State
- Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 2026
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
- Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
