Southern California fans are asking, “Is USC playing today?” as the Trojans enter their second bye week of the season. The answer is no; USC is currently off after a dramatic stretch that saw them drop to unranked Wisconsin before responding with a season-defining victory over then-No. 2 Ohio State. That win over the Buckeyes marked the first top-five triumph for head coach Lincoln Riley, silencing early doubts about his future in Los Angeles and reigniting the College Football Playoff conversation. Despite the momentum, the Trojans sit at 7-2 and debuted at No. 20 in the selection committee’s first CFP rankings, leaving them with minimal margin for error in the final stretch of the regular season.
From Wisconsin shock to Ohio State statement win, how the 7-2 Trojans can still reach the CFP
The path to a 12-team playoff berth remains steep, but the Trojans possess one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the Big Ten. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has emerged as a national contender, ranking sixth in the country with 2,524 passing yards and eighth with 20 touchdowns. His efficiency is equally impressive, with a 66.9% completion rate that underscores the precision of the Trojan passing game. As USC prepares to return to action, Maiava’s ability to sustain this high level of production will be the primary factor in whether the team can climb out of the No. 20 slot and secure a coveted playoff spot.
USC’s remaining schedule offers a mix of critical conference matchups that will determine their final standing. While the immediate question of “Is USC playing today?” is answered by their current rest period, the focus now shifts to their next scheduled game, which will serve as the next major test for Riley’s squad. With the CFP selection committee watching closely, every remaining contest carries playoff implications. Fans can follow the Trojans’ return to action and monitor their trajectory toward the postseason by watching select games through available streaming partners, keeping a close eye on how the 7-2 Trojans handle the pressure of the final weeks.
Source: Yahoo Sports
