LOS ANGELES — Head coach Lincoln Riley leads the No. 14 USC Trojans against the San Jose State Spartans in their college football season opener today – Saturday, Aug. 29 – at The Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.
How to watch USC vs. San Jose State
What: College football: USC vs. San Jose StateWhen: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026Time: 3 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Pacific)Where: The Coliseum | Los Angeles, Calif. Channel: NBCStreaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), SlingTV and PeacockHow do I watch USC vs. San Jose State for free?
This college football matchup will broadcast live on NBC and also stream on Peacock. You can use free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which also offer large discounts on your first month.
Looking for a different option? Fans can watch this game on SlingTV with Sling Select for $19.99. NOTE: Local channels are available with this package in select markets.
What to expect for today’s game
The Trojans are finally looking to live up to the hype since Riley’s arrival in Southern California. USC is coming off a four-loss campaign that continued a trend of mediocrity by their standards.
Senior quarterback Jayden Maiava amassed 3,711 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding six scores on the ground last season. He racked up a 91.2 QBR.
With star receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane in the NFL, USC’s aerial attack will reload with Tanook Hines, Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, among others.
The ground game will be anchored by an experienced offensive line despite Killian O’Connor’s season-ending injury.
The offense features sophomore running back King Miller, who rushed for 972 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Senior Waymond Jordan is back from injury and eager to showcase his skills after a long wait.
Watch USC vs. San Jose State for free with DIRECTV
The Spartans went 3-9 last season, including 2-6 in the Mountain West. It’s only wins came against Idaho, New Mexico and Hawaii.
Much like last year, San Jose State has glaring concerns on defense. In addition to replacing their entire secondary, the Spartans allowed 32.5 points per game and were gashed for 403.2 yards per contest. They coughed up 157.9 rushing yards per game.
That defense compiled 17 sacks and 14 takeaways all season. San Jose State unit returns only three players who started a combined six games last season.
Hawaii transfer senior quarterback Luke Weaver will have his work cut out for him as he meshes with an inexperienced cast on the fly.
San Jose State committed 27 turnovers last season.
Who is announcing USC vs. San Jose State?
Noah Eagle (play-by-play) and Todd Blackledge (analyst) will be the announcers while Kathryn Tappen reports from the sideline.
What are the latest odds for USC vs. San Jose State?
Spread: USC: (-38.5), SJS: (+38.5)
Moneyline: N/A
Point total: 61.5