Ohio State Buckeyes at USC Trojans prediction, start time and team news (October 31, 2026)

The Buckeyes at Trojans game on Saturday, October 31, is a Week 9 Big Ten matchup. The October 18 AP Top 25 ranked the Buckeyes No. 3 and the Trojans No. 16. With Julian Sayin out, the Buckeyes face a quarterback decision against a Trojans offense led by Jayden Maiava.

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When do the Buckeyes play the Trojans?

• Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026.
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET.
• Competition: College football, Week 9.
• Home team: Trojans.

The daily sports prediction markets guide covers the wider schedule of upcoming games.

Who has the edge in Buckeyes vs Trojans?

The Buckeyes were priced at 73% to win and the Trojans at 36%, according to market data as of October 24, 2026. These are separate outcome prices that reflect market-implied probabilities, not guarantees. The winner contract is one type of sports prediction market. For current probabilities, check OG.com.

The Buckeyes’ defense gives them the stronger sporting case: It had allowed 13.4 points and 264 yards per game through seven games. Maiava gives the Trojans a counter. He had thrown for 2,045 yards, 18 touchdowns and three interceptions through seven games.

The Buckeyes had allowed 171 passing yards per game through seven games, though they gave up 296 passing yards in the game Sayin exited. If the Buckeyes’ next quarterback cannot sustain drives, Maiava could get more chances to test that defense.

What is the latest Buckeyes and Trojans team news?

The Buckeyes’ line and the Trojans’ receiving group also have unresolved availability questions.

What is the latest on the Buckeyes?

Sayin is out indefinitely with an arm injury. Day said the Buckeyes were planning without him for the rest of the season and postseason. Day said Luke Fahey had been ahead of Tavien St. Clair but left the starting decision open. Fahey finished the game after Sayin was hurt.

Ja’Kobi Jackson had foot surgery. ESPN reported on October 21, citing sources, that he was expected to miss a few weeks; his October 31 status remains uncertain. Austin Siereveld missed two games with a reported non-football illness. He has played guard and tackle, so his availability affects the Buckeyes’ protection options.

Cornerback Jay Timmons left the game in which Sayin was hurt late, while defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. was hurt and returned. Their October 31 availability remains uncertain. Jackson Jr. led the Buckeyes with three sacks through seven games.

What is the latest on the Trojans?

For the Trojans’ October 24 game, the Big Ten availability report listed receivers Terrell Anderson and Corey Simms as out. Tight end Mark Bowman, receiver Luc Weaver and defensive tackle Jide Abasiri were questionable. Their October 31 status remains uncertain, leaving questions about Maiava’s receiving options and the Trojans’ defensive front.

What could decide Buckeyes vs Trojans?

Smith against the Trojans’ secondary, Bo Jackson against their run defense and Maiava against the Buckeyes’ rush are the key opposing-unit matchups.

Can the next Buckeyes quarterback find Smith?

Jeremiah Smith had 984 receiving yards, including a 12-catch, 217-yard game. He caught four passes for 68 yards in the game Sayin exited in the fourth quarter. The Trojans had allowed 239 passing yards per game through seven games, but the Buckeyes’ 323 passing yards per game chiefly reflect a Sayin-led offense. Fahey or St. Clair would need to build a connection with Smith to exploit that opening.

Can Bo Jackson keep the Buckeyes on schedule?

The Buckeyes rushed for 207 yards in one game with Ja’Kobi Jackson in the lineup, then 78 in a later game without him. Bo Jackson led the team with 516 rushing yards but gained 56 yards on 18 carries in the 78-yard game. The Trojans held their October 10 opponent to 68 rushing yards on 31 carries. If they contain Bo Jackson, the new quarterback could face more long third downs.

Can the Buckeyes pressure Maiava?

The Trojans had allowed seven sacks in seven games, while the Buckeyes had made 10. If the Trojans continue to protect Maiava, the Buckeyes may have to cover his receivers longer.

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