The wait for college football is finally over. The 2026 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision season kicks off with an absolute thriller in Los Angeles. The USC Trojans prepare to launch their highly anticipated campaign during a special Week Zero showcase. Head coach Lincoln Riley and his squad welcome the San Jose State Spartans to the historic LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, August 29. Fans expecting a slow start to the year get an immediate dose of high-stakes action right on national television.
San Jose State Comes To The LA Coliseum
USC holds a completely dominant 6-0 all-time record against the Spartans. Extending that flawless streak requires total execution from the opening kickoff. The game is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. PT and broadcasts live on NBC and Peacock. The Trojans want to establish their offensive tempo early and put massive pressure on the San Jose State secondary. Forcing the Spartans into obvious passing downs gives the USC defensive line a green light to rush the quarterback and create early turnovers.
Earning a decisive victory provides the coaching staff a perfect opportunity to rest their starters and get younger players valuable repetitions in front of the home crowd. Bettors and analysts are already tracking the early lines for this massive in-state clash. Fans looking to evaluate the latest spreads and futures can check out the top California sportsbooks to see exactly how the oddsmakers project this Week Zero matchup.
Setting A Fast Pace For The Season
A commanding win over San Jose State builds incredible momentum for the rest of the September slate. The Trojans face a completely stacked schedule this year. Following the opener, USC hosts the Fresno State Bulldogs under the Friday night lights on September 4. The competition ramps up quickly, demanding peak performance week after week.
Tracking the entire opening month gives fans a clear picture of what the Trojans face before the grueling Big Ten conference play begins. Anyone looking to plan their tailgates and weekend schedules can browse our updated guide to local sporting events across the state.
2026 USC Trojans Early Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Network |
| Aug 29, 2026 | San Jose State Spartans | LA Memorial Coliseum | NBC / Peacock |
| Sept 4, 2026 | Fresno State Bulldogs | LA Memorial Coliseum | FOX |
| Sept 12, 2026 | Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns | LA Memorial Coliseum | BTN |
The Path To Postseason Glory
USC expects to compete for a College Football Playoff berth. Achieving that lofty goal leaves absolutely zero room for early missteps against non-conference opponents. The defense must control the line of scrimmage, force three-and-outs, and give the ball back to their explosive playmakers. You can review the latest national rankings and tracking data directly on the NCAA official website as the season progresses. Expect an absolutely electric atmosphere inside the Coliseum as another spectacular year of Trojans football gets underway.