USC Trojans’ 2025 Schedule Packed with Must-See Games: Is It the Toughest in the Big Ten?
The USC Trojans’ 2025 season is shaping up to be one of their most challenging yet, with a slate of high-stakes matchups that will test their skills on the field. As the Trojans embark on their second year in the expanded Big Ten, college football analysts have highlighted several of their games as the most exciting of the season.
In a week-by-week breakdown, USC dominates the list of must-watch games for 2025, with multiple matchups listed among the best of each week.
USC vs. Iowa (Week 12)
In Week 12, the Trojans will face the Iowa Hawkeyes in what was named the top game of the week. While Iowa might not be one of the typical Big Ten powerhouses, they should not be underestimated. Known for their defense, Iowa returns a strong secondary, despite losing five players to the NFL Draft. USC’s pass-heavy offense, led by their dynamic quarterback, will provide a tough challenge for the Hawkeyes’ defense.
However, the key for USC could lie in exploiting Iowa’s weakness on the offensive line. With three of their starting offensive linemen heading to the NFL, the Trojans’ elite defenders, like Eric Gentry, could have a field day pressuring Iowa’s offense.
USC at Oregon (Week 13)
In Week 13, USC faces one of their toughest road challenges—against the Oregon Ducks. Oregon had an outstanding 2024 season, winning the Big Ten and only suffering one loss. Despite losing key players like quarterback Dillon Gabriel, defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., the Ducks still remain a formidable opponent.
Oregon’s offense has historically been a tough matchup for USC, scoring over 30 points in their last three meetings. For USC to have a chance at victory in Autzen Stadium, they’ll need to contain Oregon’s high-powered offense while taking advantage of Oregon’s roster changes. With quarterback Jayden Maiava and a solid receiving corps, USC will need to stay consistent and capitalize on Oregon’s weaknesses.
Tough Road Ahead
Before heading to Eugene, USC has other major matchups, including games against Michigan, Notre Dame, and Illinois. These games will provide the Trojans with tough competition that should prepare them for their high-stakes road trip to face the Ducks.
Runner-Up Games Featuring USC
In addition to the top games, several USC matchups were also listed as runner-ups in their respective weeks:
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USC at Illinois (Week 5): This game is expected to be a high-scoring battle between two strong offenses. Illinois is considered a potential playoff dark horse, making this their first real test in the Big Ten.
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USC vs. Michigan (Week 6): A home game for the Trojans, this is another exciting matchup that could easily be considered a must-watch. Both teams have made significant improvements through the transfer portal, addressing gaps from underwhelming 2024 seasons.
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USC at Notre Dame (Week 8): A fierce rivalry, this matchup is another runner-up game to watch. The success of Notre Dame under head coach Marcus Freeman makes this game even more thrilling, especially with the possibility that this could be the final meeting between the two teams.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a defining year for USC, with a schedule full of challenging games that could set the tone for their future in the Big Ten. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Trojans navigate this tough slate and whether they can live up to the hype.
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