Washington vs USC Prediction: Odds, expert picks, team and player news, betting trends, and stats

After coming off close losses, #18 USC (3-1) and Washington (3-1) look to get back into the win columns. USC dropped a primetime thriller against #20 Oregon, 41-27, whereas the Huskies 27-24 loss to Minnesota went under the radar due to the game starting at 11 PM Eastern. What was supposed to be a top 25 matchup is now one that will determine which one of these teams stay in the rankings following Week 5.

USC posted a season-low 27 points against Oregon after four-straight of at least 39. The Trojans were a dismal 2-for-11 on third downs ( ), but converted four out of five fourth downs (80%). The Trojans were outgained in yards, 504-446, and allowed 10.6 yards per pass.

USC has not lost back-to-back games since enduring three-game losing streak in October, 2024 — dating back 26 games. Washington won the previous meeting versus USC back in 2024 by a score of 26-21. Washington hasn't lose back-to-back games since 2024 as well, stretching 18 games.

The Huskies defense allowed a season-high 27 points to Minnesota which dropped them to 33rd nationally with 16.7 points per game allowed. Washington has a top 25-ranked third down defense (28.8%) and held Minnesota to 4-of-14. On the flip side, Washington went 1-of-10 on third downs and managed a season-low 279 yards and 40 rushing yards. The Huskies averaged 1.5 yards per carry and turned the ball over twice via interceptions.

Let’s dive into the schools on both sides of the ball, look at a few key players, and see where the numbers take us.

Game Details and How to Watch USC vs Washington

• Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM Eastern
• Site: Los Angeles Memorial Stadium
• City: Los Angeles, CA
• TV/Streaming: Peacock | NBC

Game Odds for USC vs Washington

The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:

• Moneyline: USC Trojans (-360), Washington Huskies (+285)
• Spread: USC -8.5 (-112)
• Total: 58.5 points

#18 USC Trojans

Head Coach: Lincoln Riley
2026 Record: 3-1 (1-0)
Offensive Points Per Game: 39.8 (25th)
Defensive Points Per Game: 26.4 (101st)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 59th
2026 Remaining Strength of Schedule: 72nd

The USC Trojans Offense:

USC's offense is undoubtedly the strength of this team as the defense has had a hard time making stops. The Trojans offense is one of the most aggressive with 12 fourth down attempts, ranking ninth-most in the country. USC put up 446 yards of offense against Oregon and ran for 100-plus yards for the seventh-straight game dating back to last year. No matter how much Lincoln Riley tries to establish the run, this offense runs through Jayden Maiava as his success tells the story of how the Trojans days go.

USC Player to Watch on Offense: QB Jayden Maiava

The chance for a Heisman trophy has probably gone out the window following the loss to Oregon, but if Jayden Maiava believes there is still a route to make the playoffs and a run at the Heisman trophy, then this is a must-win. Maiava had his second game with an interception this season and recorded his lowest completion rate (54.8%) last week. Maiava has never played Washington and will look to keep his five-game streak of two-plus touchdown passes alive against the Huskies.

The USC Trojans Defense:

The USC defense gave up over 500 yards of offense to Oregon and over 10 yards per completion. The Trojans faced two quarterbacks, Dante Moore and Dylan Raiola, after knocking Moore out of the game with a dirty hit. Even with an advantage, USC was not able to slow down Oregon's offense. USC allowed Oregon to score a touchdown on four of the first five second-half drives, plus three scoring drives on the first four possessions of the game! USC was torched all over the field in Saturday's loss.

USC Player to Watch on Defense: DB Kennedy Urlacher

Kennedy Urlacher, the son of Hall of Famer Brian Urclacher had four tackles against Oregon and four versus Rutgers over the last two games. Urlacher grabbed two sacks, forced and fumbled a recovery on the season. Each week you can see the confidence growing on Urlacher as he continues to be difference-maker for this defense.

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Washington Huskies

Head Coach: Jedd Fisch
2026 Record: 3-1 (0-1)
Offensive Points Per Game: 28.0 (T-84th)
Defensive Points Per Game: 16.7 (33rd)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 131st
2026 Remaining Strength of Schedule: 12th

The Washington Huskies Offense:

The Washington offense turned the ball over twice versus Minnesota, converted one third down, ran for a season-low 40 yards, and lost the time of possession battle by almost 13 minutes. The Huskies couldn't sputter anything offensively early or out of halftime (scoreless in 1Q, 3Q). Demond Williams Jr. will look for a bounce back after two interceptions and his worst performance of the season, but he will need his running backs to step up against a deflated USC defense.

Washington Player to Watch on Offense: QB Demond Williams Jr

Fresh off his worst start of the season, Demond Williams Jr. will get a USC defense that he can take advantage of. The Trojans rank 115th in PFF's coverage standings and the Huskies passing attack ranks 56th with the 49th-best pass blocking success. Williams was sacked a career-high seven times last week against Minnesota and USC ranks 9th in pressure rate. It will be another long day for Williams if the offense doesn't clean up the protection and improve his time to throw.

The Washington Huskies Defense:

Washington's defense hadn't allowed more than 16 points until the loss to Minnesota. The Huskies defense gave up 329 total yards, forced one turnover, and held Minnesota to 4-of-14 on third downs. The Huskies have the 23rd-ranked third-down defense (28.8%) and 289.2 yards per game (34th). However, Washington has played the 131st-ranked strength of schedule so far, so this will be another test that tells a broader story of how good Washington's defense is.

Washington Player to Watch on Defense: DB Alex McLaughlin

Alex McLaughlin is tied for the team-lead at 24 tackles after a season-low three against Minnesota. McLaughlin leads the team in sacks (2.0), pass deflections (2.0), interceptions (2.0), and forced fumbles (1). McLaughlin led the team with 94 tackles last year, leading the team by 24 tackles, and also had two interceptions, one for a touchdown.

USC and Washington Stats, Betting Trends

• USC is 1-4 ATS this season and4-1 to the Over
• Washington is 0-4 ATS this season, tied for worst
• Washington is 2-2 on the total
• Washington has won the last three meetings with USC
• Washington is 4-1 in the last five vs USC
• Washington is 3-1 in their last four on the road at USC
• USC is 12-12 ATS at home since 2023
• USC is 11-9 ATS as a home favorite since 2023 and 12-8 to the Over
• Washington is 4-8 ATS as an underdog since 2023
• Washington is 1-5 ATS as a road underdog since 2023
• Washington is 9-6 to the Under as the road team since 2023

Rotoworld Best Bets

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the first quarter Over 13.5 Points:

"When looking at the lines in this game, the market believes the first half will be higher scoring than the second half, specifically the first quarter which is priced at -130 to the Over. The first half is 30.5 yet the game total is 58.5. Both USC and Washington did not score a single point in the first quarter, but surrendered points last game. In the second quarter, both USC and Washington scored 10 points each. I think we see better starts and first drives from both teams as the offenses have the better matchups in this game."

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