No. 2 Ohio State @ USC Football Game Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Saturday, October 31, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET TV: NBC / Peacock Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — Los Angeles, California Tickets: As low as $117 Line: Ohio State -7 Over/Under: 51.5 Records: No. 2 Ohio State 6-1 (4-0 Big Ten) | USC 6-2

Ohio State vs. USC Prediction & Matchup Preview

One of college football’s most recognizable intersectional rivalries returns Saturday night when No. 2 Ohio State visits USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a pivotal Big Ten matchup.

Ohio State enters 6-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play after beating then-No. 5 Indiana 19-15 before its bye week. The Buckeyes held Indiana to 73 rushing yards, forced two turnovers and made enough defensive plays in the fourth quarter to preserve another major road victory.

But Ohio State paid a major price.

Starting quarterback Julian Sayin will miss several weeks with an injury to his throwing arm, meaning the Buckeyes are expected to turn to freshman Luke Fahey, with Tavien St. Clair also competing for playing time. Sayin had thrown for 2,007 yards, 19 touchdowns and only four interceptions before the injury.

That dramatically changes the matchup.

Ohio State averages 39.3 points and 476.3 yards per game, including 323.1 passing yards. The Buckeyes also possess one of America’s best defenses, allowing only 13.4 points and 264.3 yards per game.

USC enters looking for a major response after suffering a stunning 24-7 loss at Wisconsin. The Trojans produced only 241 total yards and finished with minus-17 rushing yards, while Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions.

The loss dropped USC to 6-2 and exposed an offensive line that now faces an even more difficult challenge against Ohio State’s defensive front.

USC still possesses significant offensive talent. The Trojans average 32.8 points and 434.8 yards per game, including 303.6 passing yards. Maiava leads the offense with 2,303 passing yards, while King Miller has rushed for 603 yards and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt leads USC with 443 receiving yards.

Ohio State counters with perhaps the most dangerous skill-position player in the country.

Jeremiah Smith has 52 receptions for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns through seven games. Even with a new quarterback, Ryan Day will find ways to get Smith involved through screens, short throws and favorable one-on-one matchups.

The quarterback change makes this much more interesting than it appeared several weeks ago, but Ohio State still owns significant advantages defensively.

Players to Watch

Luke Fahey — Ohio State: The freshman is expected to replace Sayin. Fahey has completed 9 of 13 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in limited action.

Jeremiah Smith — Ohio State: Already approaching 1,000 receiving yards with 12 touchdowns and will become even more important with an inexperienced quarterback.

Bo Jackson — Ohio State: Leads the Buckeyes with 516 rushing yards and should see an increased workload as Ohio State attempts to protect its new quarterback.

Jayden Maiava — USC: Has thrown for 2,303 yards and remains the centerpiece of Lincoln Riley’s offense. His ability to handle Ohio State’s pass rush will be crucial.

King Miller — USC: Leads USC with 603 rushing yards but faces an Ohio State defense allowing only 92.9 yards per game on the ground.

Kayden Dixon-Wyatt — USC: USC’s leading receiver with 443 yards and one of Maiava’s primary options against an outstanding Buckeyes secondary.

Keys to the Game for Ohio State

Ohio State needs to make Fahey’s first major start manageable.

That means establishing Jackson, using quick throws to Smith and avoiding long third-down situations.

Defensively, Ohio State should attack USC’s offensive line. Wisconsin just held the Trojans to minus-17 rushing yards, and the Buckeyes allow only 92.9 rushing yards per game.

If USC becomes completely one-dimensional, Ohio State’s secondary can concentrate on Maiava.

Keys to the Game for USC

USC must make Fahey look like a freshman.

The Trojans need pressure, disguised coverages and early negative plays to prevent Ohio State from settling into a comfortable offensive rhythm.

Offensively, USC needs far better balance than it showed at Wisconsin.

The Trojans cannot ask Maiava to defeat one of the country’s best defenses without a functioning running game. Miller must find enough success to keep Ohio State’s pass rush honest.

USC also cannot waste red-zone opportunities. Ohio State has allowed only 13.4 points per game, so touchdowns rather than field goals will be essential.

Four Prop Bets to Consider

Player-prop availability varies by sportsbook. The following are recommended target lines if similar markets are offered.

Prop Bet #1: Jeremiah Smith Over 89.5 Receiving Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Smith Over Receiving Yards

• 984 Season Yards
• 12 Touchdowns
• Offensive Focal Point

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Smith averages more than 140 receiving yards per game and should become the safety blanket for whichever quarterback starts.

Ohio State can manufacture touches without asking Fahey to constantly throw deep.

Prediction: Over 89.5 receiving yards.

Prop Bet #2: Bo Jackson Over 74.5 Rushing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Jackson Over Rushing Yards

• 516 Season Yards
• Backup QB Starting
• Increased Workload

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With Sayin sidelined, expect Ohio State to lean much more heavily on Jackson and the running game.

USC allows 114.9 rushing yards per contest and was pushed around physically by Wisconsin.

Prediction: Over 74.5 rushing yards.

Prop Bet #3: Jayden Maiava Over 249.5 Passing Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Maiava Over Passing Yards

• 2,303 Season Yards
• USC Likely Chasing Points
• 303.6 Team Pass YPG

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Ohio State’s defense allows only 171.4 passing yards per game, making this a difficult matchup.

However, USC may be forced into a high-volume passing script, particularly if Ohio State takes an early lead.

Prediction: Over 249.5 passing yards.

Prop Bet #4: King Miller Under 64.5 Rushing Yards

BetMGM

4.5/5

Miller Under Rushing Yards

• Ohio State Allows 92.9 Rush YPG
• USC Run Game Struggled
• Elite Front Seven

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USC just finished with minus-17 rushing yards against Wisconsin.

Ohio State’s defense is even more difficult to run against, allowing only 3.1 yards per attempt.

Prediction: Under 64.5 rushing yards.

Betting Prediction

The market has settled around Ohio State -7, but the total has dropped considerably.

Some books opened the total around 54.5, with the number moving toward 50.5-51.5 after Sayin’s injury and USC’s offensive collapse against Wisconsin.

That movement makes sense.

Ohio State will probably become more conservative offensively, while its defense is capable of forcing USC into another difficult night.

The Verdict

Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 27, USC 17

Betting Picks Summary

Ohio State -7 Under 51.5 Jeremiah Smith Over 89.5 Receiving Yards King Miller Under 64.5 Rushing Yards

Sayin’s injury prevents this from being an easy Ohio State selection. Starting an inexperienced quarterback on the road at the Coliseum is a legitimate concern.

But the Buckeyes don’t need Fahey to replicate Sayin.

They need him to protect the football, get Smith involved and allow Jackson and the defense to carry much of the burden.

USC’s offensive performance at Wisconsin is the larger concern. The Trojans now face an Ohio State defense ranked among the nation’s best in total defense, scoring defense and run defense.

The Coliseum should keep USC competitive early, but Ohio State’s defensive advantage becomes more important as the game progresses.

The Buckeyes haven’t won a true road game against USC since 1946, making Saturday another significant test for Ryan Day’s program.

Expect USC to pressure Ohio State’s new quarterback and remain within striking distance into the second half before Smith, Jackson and the Buckeyes’ defense take control.

Prediction: Ohio State 27, USC 17.

The current market generally lists Ohio State around -7 with the total between 50.5 and 51.5. Confirm the starting quarterback, final injuries and player-prop markets before wagering.