The USC Trojans are trying to get to the College Football playoff for the first time in the Lincoln Riley era, and that journey begins in Week 0 on Saturday, Aug. 29 against the San Jose State Spartans. The Trojans enter this season with lofty expectations but also face a tough schedule, while the Spartans are trying to rebound from a poor 2025 campaign. Kickoff from Los Angeles Coliseum is set for 3 p.m.
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It is on a 31-19 run on top-rated college football money-line picks since the 2024 season. It has also been upgraded for the 2026 season to even better factor in the transfer portal to help nail college football betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites. Bet college football with the latest DraftKings promo code to get $200 in bonus bets after spending $5+: After winning seven games in Niumatalolo's first season, the Spartans won just three contests a year ago.
Niumatalolo is going to be relying on plenty of transfers this season, headlined by former Hawai'i quarterback Luke Weaver. Weaver had some strong starts for Hawai'i but never could quite take over the starting job. Sacramento State's Jordan Anderson appears to be the most established wide receiver among a transfer-heavy group, while Jabari Bates should step up to the lead role at running back as a returning player.
If the transfers can mesh well together and Weaver consistently plays like he did in his two starts last year, the Spartans could be one of the better offensive teams in the Mountain West. Everything for USC begins with Jayden Maiava, who is expected to be a Heisman Trophy contender in his senior season. He's one of the best passers in the country but can occasionally struggle with turnovers.
In three of USC's four losses last season (including the Alamo Bowl), Maiava threw multiple interceptions. King Miller and Waymond James return to form a strong rushing tandem, but the receiver group loses Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane. That means there are big expectations for Tanook Hines, who put up 561 yards and two touchdowns a year ago as the No. 3 option.
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