College football returns to the spotlight on Aug. 29 when the San Jose State Spartans travel to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to face the USC Trojans in Week 0. USC enters the season with significant expectations as a Big Ten contender, while San Jose State opens 2026 looking to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the opening weekend. Fans interested in trading on the outcome can use the Kalshi referral code MLIVE to unlock a $25 bonus before kickoff.
Kalshi referral code MLIVE key factsReferral codeMLIVEOfferTrade $25, get a $25 bonusMatchupSan Jose State Spartans at USC TrojansKickoffSaturday, Aug. 29, 2026, 3 p.m. ETVenueLos Angeles Memorial Coliseum; Los Angeles, Calif.Eligibility18+, new users, U.S. residents; state restrictions may applyLast VerifiedAug. 29, 2026How to claim the Kalshi referral code
New users can claim the current Kalshi offer in just a few steps:
Press any Kalshi referral code banner or link.Enter promo code MLIVE during registration.Complete identity verification.Trade at least $25 in eligible event contracts.Receive a $25 bonus after completing the qualifying requirements.Snapshot of San Jose State vs. USC
USC begins its 2026 campaign at home against a San Jose State team facing a difficult opening assignment. The Trojans are listed as overwhelming favorites across prediction markets and traditional sports betting markets, reflecting the talent gap between the programs and USC’s high expectations entering the season.
San Jose State’s challenge is finding a way to stay competitive against one of the country’s most explosive offenses while breaking in new personnel on both sides of the ball.
The matchup also serves as an early measuring stick for a USC team hoping to make noise in the Big Ten race. A dominant performance could reinforce those expectations, while the Spartans would love nothing more than to deliver one of college football’s biggest Week 0 surprises.
Kalshi markets for San Jose State vs. USC
Kalshi offers markets on the winner of this matchup, with traders pricing USC as a commanding favorite. As of Aug. 29, the market implied approximately a 98% chance for USC to win and roughly a 2% chance for San Jose State. The market has generated substantial trading activity leading up to kickoff, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in volume already traded.
Additional college football markets may be available on game day, including point spread contracts and total points markets, which often move as injury news, depth chart updates and betting sentiment enter the market.
Kalshi odds vs. sportsbook odds
Kalshi’s 98% implied probability for USC equates to approximately -4900 American odds, highlighting just how heavily favored the Trojans are entering Week 0. Traditional sportsbooks have generally listed USC as a massive favorite as well, with point spreads around USC -38.5.
While prediction markets and sportsbooks use different pricing models, both are painting a similar picture: a matchup in which USC is expected to win comfortably.
Is Kalshi legal in Michigan?
Kalshi is a federally regulated prediction market exchange overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), rather than a traditional sportsbook. Availability can vary due to regulatory developments and state-specific restrictions. For instance, Kalshi’s sports markets are not available in Michigan.
Before registering or depositing funds, users should verify current eligibility and availability directly through Kalshi’s platform and regulatory disclosures. State-level questions surrounding sports event contracts continue to evolve, requiring users to confirm access before trading.
Claim the latest Kalshi sign-up bonus in any state where Kalshi is legal.
Kalshi promo codeVerified statesTrading bonusALCOMCA, TX, NY, OK, NM, GA, SC, AL, AR, MS, NC, VA, TN, LA, KY, WA, OR, UT, ID, AK, HI, WY, CO, WI, MN, NE$25NJCOMNY, PA, WV, VT$25MLIVEFL, ND, SD, IN, MO, KS$25Kalshi alternative: Introducing the Polymarket promo code
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San Jose State vs. USC Kalshi FAQWhat is the Kalshi referral code today?
The current Kalshi referral code is MLIVE.
What bonus does the code provide?
Eligible new users can trade $25 and receive a $25 bonus after meeting the promotional requirements.
Is Kalshi legal in my state?
Availability varies. Check Kalshi’s current state eligibility information before signing up.
What’s the difference between Kalshi and a sportsbook?
Kalshi allows users to trade event contracts tied to outcomes, while sportsbooks offer traditional betting markets with bookmaker-set odds.
Disclaimer: Event contract trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. 18+. Void where prohibited. See Kalshi’s terms and regulatory information for details.
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