Huskies and Trojans Set for Oct. 3 Clash at Coliseum
Washington and USC will meet on Oct. 3 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with a 4:30 p.m. kickoff on NBC. The Huskies have won three straight against the Trojans, including a 52-42 thriller in 2023. Both teams are undefeated entering this matchup, though USC faces Oregon this week.
The matchup features significant roster turnover from their last meeting. Only four players remain on each side from the 2023 thriller, while linebacker Deven Bryant and quarterback Sam Huard now suit up for USC after starting their careers at Washington. Conversely, kicker Tyler Robles and linebackers coach Brian Odom crossed over from the Trojans' sideline.
The 2023 game was decided by running back Dillon Johnson, who rushed for 265 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. Quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Caleb Williams combined for nearly 570 passing yards, but Grady Gross's 43-yard field goal with 12:25 remaining broke a 42-all tie before Johnson's late 1-yard score sealed the win.
This game could carry significant weight for both programs' Big Ten positioning and national playoff aspirations. With both teams undefeated, the outcome may shape conference title races and bowl projections. The rivalry's history, including player transfers between the schools, could add emotional stakes that influence how fans and recruits view each program's trajectory in their new conference home.