Picks and Predictions for the USC Trojans

Our expert handicappers have made the following upcoming picks for the USC Trojans:

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History of the USC Trojans

The USC Trojans are one of the most storied programs in college football, with a history that stretches back to 1888. Over the decades, USC has built a powerhouse reputation, claiming multiple national championships and producing an impressive roster of Heisman Trophy winners. Legendary names like Marcus Allen, O.J. Simpson, Carson Palmer, and Matt Leinart all donned the cardinal and gold, helping cement USC’s place as a perennial contender on the national stage.

The early 2000s marked one of the most dominant eras in USC history under head coach Pete Carroll. Behind stars like Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and a suffocating defense, the Trojans captured back-to-back national titles (2003 and 2004) and established themselves as a dynasty in the BCS era. USC’s thrilling style of play during this time made them not only one of the winningest programs, but also one of the most exciting teams to bet on.

While USC has weathered periods of NCAA sanctions, coaching changes, and rebuilding seasons, they consistently reload with top-tier talent. The Trojans’ brand power and access to elite California recruits keep them a major force in the Pac-12 and on the national scene. Their mix of high expectations and occasional inconsistency often creates interesting betting dynamics, making them a must-watch team for handicappers seeking value throughout the season.

USC Trojans Franchise Timeline

• 1888: USC fields its first football team.
  
• 1928: Howard Jones leads USC to its first national championship.
  
• 1931: USC wins back-to-back national titles, dominating college football.
  
• 1965: Mike Garrett wins USC’s first Heisman Trophy.
  
• 1972: John McKay’s team wins the national championship and is regarded as one of the best college teams ever.
  
• 1979: Charles White wins the Heisman, continuing USC’s tradition of producing top-tier running backs.
  
• 2002: Pete Carroll revives USC’s dominance, starting a new era of success.
  
• 2003: USC wins the AP National Championship.
  
• 2004: Trojans complete a 13-0 season and claim the BCS National Championship (later vacated).
  
• 2005: Reggie Bush wins the Heisman Trophy (later vacated due to NCAA violations).
  
• 2010: NCAA sanctions hit USC, including a two-year bowl ban and scholarship reductions.
  
• 2022: Lincoln Riley is hired as head coach, signaling a major new chapter for the program.

USC Trojans Stats

In 2024, the Trojans’ offense averaged 437.8 total yards per game, with 291.2 passing yards and 146.6 rushing yards. Defensively, they conceded an average of 366 total yards per game, including 3,066 passing yards over the season.

Here is a look at the current stats for the USC Trojans this season:

USC Trojans Roster for 2025

Overall, while the offense has the firepower to compete, defensive shortcomings often put the team in challenging positions, highlighting areas for improvement in future seasons.

USC Trojans Injury Report

Here is a look at the current injury report for the USC Trojans:

USC Trojans Betting Outlook and Trends for the 2025 Season

The USC Trojans enter the 2025 season aiming to build upon their 7–6 finish in 2024, which included a 35–31 victory over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl. With a year of Big Ten experience under their belt, the Trojans are poised to refine their strategies and capitalize on key betting opportunities.

Strong Performance as Favorites

In 2024, USC demonstrated reliability when favored, securing victories in 7 out of 9 games where they were the betting favorite. This trend suggests that backing USC in favorable matchups, especially against mid-tier opponents, could be a profitable strategy. ​

High-Scoring Offense Leads to Overs

The Trojans’ offense averaged 30.2 points per game in 2024, ranking 51st nationally. Their potent offense often led to high-scoring games, making the over a compelling bet in matchups against teams with less robust defenses.

Defensive Improvements Could Impact Totals

USC’s defense allowed an average of 24.1 points per game in 2024, showing signs of improvement compared to previous seasons. If this upward trend continues, bettors might consider the under in games where USC faces offensively challenged teams.

Home Field Advantage at the Coliseum

Playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, USC has historically enjoyed a strong home-field advantage. In 2024, they achieved a 5–2 record at home, indicating that betting on USC in home games could be advantageous.

Challenging Road Games in the Big Ten

Transitioning to the Big Ten has introduced USC to more demanding road environments. In 2024, the Trojans faced tough away games, which could continue in 2025. Bettors should exercise caution when considering USC in road matchups against top-tier Big Ten opponents.

Potential for Close Games

Several of USC’s games in 2024 were decided by a touchdown or less, highlighting their propensity for close contests. This trend suggests that betting on the underdog to cover the spread in USC games could be a viable strategy, especially when the spread is substantial.

Trojans Betting Trends from Last Season

The 2024 USC Trojans season provided bettors with plenty of opportunities — especially for those who recognized the patterns early. Here’s a look at the key betting trends that defined USC’s 2024 campaign:

• Overs Hit Often: USC games consistently went over the total, with the over cashing in 10 of their 13 contests. Their explosive offense paired with a shaky defense made high-scoring shootouts the norm.
  
• Struggled Against the Spread (ATS): The Trojans finished just 4-9-0 ATS. Even in games they won outright, they often failed to cover larger spreads, making them a risky favorite.
  
• Strong Straight-Up Favorites: When listed as the betting favorite, USC posted a solid 7-2 straight-up record, rewarding moneyline bettors who trusted them to win even if they didn’t always cover.
  
• Weaker Road Performance: USC struggled outside of Los Angeles, both straight-up and ATS. Bettors who faded the Trojans in tough Big Ten road games were often rewarded.
  
• Close Game Vulnerability: Several games were decided by a single score, meaning large spreads against competitive teams were frequently too ambitious for USC to cover.

Key Players for Betting on the USC Trojans

These players will be the focal point of how the odds are set in sportsbook for USC Trojans games:

Jayden Maiava – Quarterback

After transferring from UNLV, Jayden Maiava took over as USC’s starting quarterback mid-season in 2024. He threw for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns over seven games, including a standout performance in the Las Vegas Bowl with 295 passing yards and four touchdowns. Maiava’s dual-threat capability adds a dynamic element to USC’s offense, making them a compelling pick in games where his mobility can exploit defensive weaknesses.

Jo’quavious “Woody” Marks – Running Back

Marks led the Trojans’ ground game in 2024, rushing for 1,133 yards on 198 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. His consistent performance provided balance to USC’s offense, and his ability to break big runs makes the over a tempting bet in matchups against defenses susceptible to the run. ​

Makai Lemon – Wide Receiver

Emerging as USC’s leading receiver, Makai Lemon recorded 52 receptions for 764 yards in 2024. His big-play potential and rapport with the quarterbacks make him a key factor in prop bets, especially in games projected to be high-scoring affairs.

Bear Alexander – Defensive Lineman

A transfer from Georgia, Bear Alexander made an immediate impact on USC’s defensive line. In 2023, he tallied 48 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. His presence improved USC’s defensive front, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses can influence under bets in games where he dominates the line of scrimmage.

Ja’Kobi Lane – Wide Receiver

Lane had a breakout performance in the 2024 Las Vegas Bowl, earning MVP honors with three touchdown receptions. His emergence as a red-zone threat adds another dimension to USC’s passing attack, making him a player to watch in touchdown scorer prop bets.

USC Trojans Schedule

Here is a look at some of the upcoming games for the USC Trojans. Be sure to check back daily for updated scores and odds for Trojans’ games.

Bet Smart on the USC Trojans This Season

Betting on the USC Trojans is always a dynamic experience. With a high-powered offense, evolving defensive play, and a roster full of explosive talent, there are plenty of opportunities for sharp bettors to find value throughout the season. Whether it’s betting the over on high-scoring matchups, capitalizing on strong home performances, or targeting specific player props, understanding USC’s tendencies can give you a real edge.

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