Previews and Predictions: College Football Week 1 Edition

The wait is over—college football is back. From the bright lights of the FBS to the grind of 3C2A football, JPWest Media has you covered for opening weekend. Let’s dive into two of the top storylines in Southern California.

FBS: Missouri State at USC

Saturday, Aug. 30 – 4:30 PM | LA Memorial Coliseum

Photographer: Joey Gray | Reporter: Isabella Lyons

Preview

The Lincoln Riley era enters a pivotal year at USC, and the Trojans waste no time breaking in the 2025 season with a home opener at the Coliseum against Missouri State.

For the Bears, this matchup marks a historic milestone—their first season competing at the FBS level after a 6–2 campaign in their final year in the FCS. They’ll be tested immediately against one of the nation’s most recognizable programs.

USC comes in fresh off its dramatic 34–31 comeback win over Utah State in the 2024 Las Vegas Bowl, capped by a game-winning score from Kyle Ford. The Trojans’ offense returns plenty of firepower: quarterback Jayden Maiava, receivers Makai Lemon and Ford, and running back Ryan Jackson headline a group capable of explosive plays from anywhere on the field. On defense, all eyes will be on true freshman Jahkeem Stewart, the five-star lineman who reclassified into the 2025 class and has been billed as an immediate difference-maker up front.

Missouri State brings ambition, but USC brings depth, speed, and star power. The Bears will need perfection just to hang around.

Prediction

JP’s Pick: Maiava and the Trojans flex their muscle early, rolling to a statement 65–3 victory.

3C2A: Saddleback at Pasadena City

Saturday, Aug. 29 – 6 PM | Robinson Stadium (Pasadena City College)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Preview

From the Coliseum to the junior-college ranks, another season kicks off in Pasadena with Saddleback traveling to face the Lancers.

The Bobcats are riding momentum after their best season since 2019, finishing 8–3 last year and capping the campaign with a Patriotic Bowl victory over Bakersfield. The program now ushers in a new era under head coach Jeff Fischer, who inherits a roster with experience and confidence.

Pasadena City enters with a storyline of its own: a return to the National Conference after dominating the American Conference at 11–0 last fall. The Lancers will look to prove they can carry that success into the tougher league.

This matchup has all the makings of an early-season measuring stick. Can Fischer’s Bobcats hit the ground running, or will Pasadena City defend home turf and validate its perfect 2024 campaign?

Prediction

JP’s Pick: Saddleback spoils Pasadena’s return, opening the Fischer era with a 35–24 win.