San Jose State vs USC Prediction, Odds & Betting Preview – August 29, 2026
No. 14 USC opens the 2026 college football season Saturday afternoon against San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET on NBC, and USC enters as one of the biggest favorites on the Week 0 card.
San Jose State vs USC Odds
The current market has USC favored by approximately 38.5 to 39.5 points, with the total around 60.5.
Current betting snapshot:
- San Jose State: +38.5 to +39.5
- USC: -38.5 to -39.5
- Total: approximately 60.5
- Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- TV: NBC/Peacock
The spread is enormous, making this much more interesting from a betting perspective than simply picking the winner.
USC Returns Experience
USC enters the season ranked No. 14 and returns 12 starters from last year’s 9-4 team, including quarterback Jayden Maiava.
Lincoln Riley enters Year 5 in Los Angeles with expectations rising. USC has not yet reached the College Football Playoff under Riley, but the roster entering 2026 is considered one of his more experienced groups.
San Jose State is coming off a 3-9 season and has significant roster turnover.
The Spartans lost quarterback Walker Eget to Duke and return only three players who started more than six games last season. Luke Weaver, a redshirt senior transfer from Hawaii, takes over at quarterback.
Can San Jose State Stay Within the Number?
That is the real question.
USC clearly possesses the superior roster.
The Trojans have the talent to score quickly, and San Jose State’s lack of returning production creates a difficult matchup.
But laying nearly 40 points requires USC to remain aggressive throughout the entire game.
One respected Week 0 model has made USC one of its top bets but actually prefers the Under 60.5, pointing to USC’s slower pace last season and San Jose State’s lack of returning production.
That is an interesting angle.
San Jose State vs USC Prediction
I expect USC to control the game from the beginning.
The question is whether the Trojans cover the enormous number.
San Jose State’s quarterback transition and lack of returning production concern me more than the 38.5-point spread.
Prediction
USC 45, San Jose State 10
Betting Lean: USC -38.5
A secondary lean is Under 60.5.
USC may dominate without necessarily needing to score 60 points by itself.
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FAQ
Who is favored?
USC by approximately 38.5 to 39.5 points.
What is the total?
Approximately 60.5.
Who is our pick?
USC -38.5.
Projected score?
USC 45, San Jose State 10.
Bet responsibly. Odds can move before kickoff.