Week 3: Rutgers vs No. 12 USC Staff Picks and Predictions

The Scarlet Knights get set to host Lincoln Riley, and his 12th ranked USC Trojans for the Big Ten Opener of the 2026 season.

Here are our staff picks and predictions:

Will Carmenaty, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: USC wins 42-21

This game for the Scarlet Knights will be their best opportunity to show just how good can they match up against a playoff caliber team. USC breezed through their non-conference schedule, and some see this as a trap game, with a gauntlet in front of them. Trent Mosley out is significant. I believe the Scarlet Knights will hold a lead in the first half and will stay par with USC until deep into half number two. The better team in this one is clear, and the Heisman candidate QB Maiava is going to show case his talent at SHI.

Makali Pennycooke, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: USC wins 56-10

This game won’t be much of a contest; USC enters this matchup ranked 12th in the entire nation and holds one of the nation’s best quarterbacks, Jayden Maiava, who will be the toughest quarterback the Scarlet Knights face on their schedule. The biggest question for Rutgers is how can they look competitive against a formidable opponent?

Frank Palumbo, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: USC wins 66-10

This one is going to get ugly pretty fast if I had to guess. USC comes in ranked top 15 for a reason with a great team led by Maiava. Rutgers offense continues to struggle against a top defense in cfb while USC exposes the Rutgers defense that has severely struggled through 2 games.

Matthew Risko, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: USC wins 49-10

A team like USC will really show everybody where this teams heart is at, it will show where their passion is at and will show the true team coach Schiano has put together. The Trojans have a dominating offense and it is really hard to see them slow down against the Scarlet Knights disappointing defense.

Ethan Barroway, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: USC wins 59-10

USC is the better team, and will show it. Rutgers defense will have a rough day out on the field and the offense won’t be able to keep up with USC’s top offense.

Rutgers gets set to host USC for the first time ever in Piscataway, and it all goes down tomorrow. Rutgers Countdown begins at 2:30PM, before Will Carmenaty and Chase Jacoby have the call beginning at 3:15PM with Makali Pennycooke on the sideline. Kickoff is at 3:30PM. Listen live on 88.7FM and online at wrsu.org.