Washington vs. USC Prediction, Odds & Picks for Oct. 3: Trojans Prevail

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Written By Jason Green | Published at October 3, 2026
Washington vs. USC prediction for Big 12 matchup in L.A. Both teams are coming off their first losses in their last games.
Sep 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) runs for a one-yard touchdown against the Oregon Ducks during the third quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

On Saturday night in La La Land, in a huge former Pac-12 rivalry game with both teams now in the Big 10, the 18th-ranked USC Trojans host the Washington Huskies. In this Washington vs. USC prediction, you will get key game info, the latest odds, betting trends, key stats, our pick, and some value prop bets.

USC (4-1) fell from the unbeaten ranks in their last game, losing 41-17 to a ranked Oregon team. They are 1-1 in the Big 10 and need a win against Washington to bolster their college football playoff hopes. They have a balanced offense that is led by the pass game, ranking 11th in the nation in passing yards per game, and quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the nation in passing yards and is tied for the most touchdowns (14).

Washington (3-1) also suffered its first loss in its last game, falling 27-24 to an unranked Minnesota team. The Huskies have been strong on defense and in the passing game, but they are not balanced on offense, ranking 124th in the nation in rushing yards per game.

These teams have not met since the 2024 season.

Washington vs. USC Odds

Here are the odds for this Big 10 matchup at BetMGM Sportsbook:

USC is the favorite, so to cover the spread (win the bet), it must win by more than nine points; Washington must win or lose by eight points or less to cover.

In the moneyline market, you could bet $100 on underdog Washington to win $280 in profit, and $357 on favored USC to profit $100.

You can find more information here at our moneyline betting guide.

This is Washington's first road game this season and their first game against a ranked team.

This game is always big for USC, but especially this season. In two of its last three games, USC faced No. 5 Ohio State at home, then hit the road to face the defending national champions – sixth-ranked Indiana.

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Key Stats

Washington

USC

Washington vs. USC Prediction: USC -8.5 (-111)

83% of the public money has backed USC at home with the spread, and I’ll stick with that sentiment.

USC has not been a good bet this season at 1-4 ATS, and the main reason has been its defense. The Trojans rank 99th in the nation in points allowed per game and have given up at least 26 points in four of five games. However, they have a dynamic offense and a great passing attack, averaging 325 passing yards per game.

Washington may be in a down year, mainly because it lacks top-tier skill players. The defense has been pretty good, but the team has scored more than 24 points in only one of four games, and that was facing an Eastern Washington team that is only 1-4.

USC has too many weapons on offense, and Washington will not be able to keep up. At the Coliseum, the Trojans will shine in front of their fans, win, and cover the spread, sending the Huskies to their second straight loss.

It's never too early to check out the latest college football playoff odds and Heisman odds.

More Washington vs. USC Picks, Props and Best Bets

You can find everything you need for prop bets in our prop betting guide.

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Washington vs. USC Broadcast Info

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