GAME PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: No. 21 Trojans Head to Champaign for Big Noon Saturday Against No. 23 Fighting Illini

No. 21 USC (4–0, 2–0 Big Ten) at No. 23 Illinois (3–1, 0–1 Big Ten)
Saturday, Sept. 27 – 9 AM PT (11 AM CT) | Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Ill.
Watch Live: FOX

PREVIEW: Week 5 of College Football kicks off with the Big Noon Saturday spotlight on FOX as the No. 21 USC Trojans head to Champaign to face the No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini. This marks the first meeting between the two programs since USC’s 49–17 win in the 2008 Rose Bowl, with the Trojans holding an 11–2 all-time advantage in the series.

The Trojans enter the matchup unbeaten at 4–0 and are looking to pick up their first Big Ten statement win of 2025. USC is fresh off a 45–31 victory over Michigan State in its conference home opener, where quarterback Jayden Maiava continued his breakout season. Maiava has thrown for over 1,200 yards with nine passing touchdowns, four rushing scores, and no turnovers through the first four games.

Running back Waymond Jordan has established himself as one of the top playmakers in the Big Ten, rushing for 443 yards and ranking among the nation’s best in yards per carry. Wide receiver Makai Lemon has been the do-it-all weapon for the Trojans, posting 225 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns last week. Defensively, Eric Gentry and Jahkeem Stewart have helped anchor a unit that leads the Big Ten in sacks and tackles for loss.

Illinois comes in at 3–1 but was handed a tough 63–10 loss by Indiana last weekend. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has shown flashes but has been under pressure all season, as the Illini have already allowed 16 sacks. Running back Kaden Feagin and receiver Hank Beatty lead the offense, but injuries in the secondary are a major concern against USC’s explosive passing attack.

PREDICTION

USC has the firepower on both sides of the ball to control this game. Illinois will try to rebound at home, but the Trojans’ balanced offense and disruptive defense should be a little bit much for the Illini to handle.

JP’s Pick: USC 35, Illinois 20