This Week 5 matchup of the 2025 College Football season features the USC Trojans taking on the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM and will be broadcast on FOX. Both teams are ranked, with USC sitting at #21 in the AP Poll and Illinois at #23. USC enters the game with a perfect 4-0 record, including a 1-0 mark on the road. The Trojans have displayed impressive offensive capabilities, most recently defeating Michigan State 45-31. Their balanced attack includes a high-powered passing game complemented by a strong rushing presence. Illinois, with a 3-1 record, will be defending their perfect 2-0 home record. After a tough loss to Indiana, the Fighting Illini will aim to rebound and strengthen their Big Ten standing. Their previous games demonstrated both potent defense and offense, particularly in their 38-0 win over Western Michigan.
Illinois vs USC At a Glance
- Game Venue: Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL
- Game Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: FOX
- USC Trojans Record: 4-0 overall, 1-0 on the road
- Illinois Fighting Illini Record: 3-1 overall, 2-0 at home
- Betting Odds: USC favored by 6.5 points with a moneyline of -247
Illinois Fighting Illini Seek Redemption in Upcoming Game
Recent Performance
The Illinois Fighting Illini’s recent performance has been a mixed bag. They started the season strong with three consecutive wins against Western Illinois, Duke, and Western Michigan. However, a significant setback came with a heavy 63-10 loss to Indiana.
This defeat was characterized by a struggling offense that only managed 159 passing yards and a mere 2 rushing yards, highlighting potential weaknesses that need addressing. Despite this, their early-season victories demonstrate potential and capability.
Offensive Overview
On the offensive front, Illinois ranks 21st in points scored with 145 points this season. The passing game, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, has accumulated 882 yards, placing them 62nd nationally.
The rushing attack has been less effective, ranking 89th with 502 yards. Improvement in ground performance could provide a more balanced attack for the Fighting Illini.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Illinois has allowed 85 points, ranking them 56th in points against. Their pass rush has been formidable, with 11 sacks ranking 7th nationally.
Their ability to force turnovers has been impressive, with 1 interception and 5 fumble recoveries, ranking them 2nd and 1st respectively in those categories. These defensive strengths could be pivotal in upcoming games.
Key Players
Quarterback Luke Altmyer has been a standout performer with 855 passing yards and 9 touchdowns. He ranks 53rd in passing yards and 15th in passing touchdowns nationally.
Running back Kaden Feagin has made a mark with 240 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, while wide receiver Hank Beatty leads the receiving corps with 302 yards and 1 touchdown.
Upcoming Challenge
Illinois will return to Memorial Stadium to take on the USC Trojans. This home game offers an opportunity for the Fighting Illini to bounce back after their recent loss.
With a current line of being 6.5-point underdogs, Illinois will need to capitalize on their home advantage to improve their standing.
Injury Concerns
Injuries could impact Illinois, with several players listed as questionable, including Ayden Knapik and Xavier Scott. The absence of key players such as Grant Smith and JJ Hirdes could also influence team performance.
Managing these injuries will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in their upcoming games.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 8 Games (2024–2025) → 8-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – As Favorite: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 5-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 9 Games (2024–2025) → 8-1 (88.9%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 21 Games (2021–2025) → 16-5 (76.2%)
USC Trojans Set to Battle on the Road: What to Expect
Offensive Strengths
USC’s offensive unit is among the nation’s elite, ranking 3rd in points scored with a total of 210 for the season. The Trojans have excelled in the air, boasting a 7th place rank with 1,326 passing yards.
The ground game is equally formidable, with USC accumulating 1,010 rushing yards, placing them 9th nationally. This balanced attack allows them to consistently move the chains, as evidenced by their 104 first downs, also ranked 9th.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, USC has been aggressive in the pass rush, recording 16 sacks, which ranks 2nd in the country. Their secondary has been opportunistic, collecting 6 interceptions and placing 7th nationally in that category.
While they rank 54th in points allowed, conceding 81, their ability to force turnovers with interceptions and fumbles has been a key factor in maintaining control of games.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been outstanding, leading the team with 1,223 passing yards and 9 touchdowns without throwing an interception. Running back Waymond Jordan has been a workhorse, with 443 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.
Wide receiver Makai Lemon has been a reliable target, hauling in 24 receptions for 438 yards and 3 touchdowns, making him a crucial part of USC’s passing attack.
Recent Performances
USC has been on a roll, coming off a decisive 45-31 victory over Michigan State. They displayed offensive balance with 234 passing yards and an impressive 289 rushing yards in that game.
In previous weeks, they secured wins against Purdue and Georgia Southern, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess by limiting opponents’ rushing yards.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 6-0 (100%) over the last 6 games
- O/U – Home Games: 23-7 (76.7%) over the last 30 games
- SU – All Games: 4-0 (100%) this season
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 4-0 (100%) this season
- SU – After Win: 3-0 (100%) this season
- ATS – As Favorite: 4-2 (66.7%) over the last 6 games
- O/U – All Games: 19-10-1 (63.3%) over the last 30 games
Illinois vs USC Prediction: Over 59.0
USC’s offense ranks 3rd in the nation, with a total of 210 points scored over their first four games, showcasing their ability to put up big numbers. Their passing attack is ranked 7th, which should allow them to exploit Illinois’ defense that recently gave up 63 points against Indiana. With such offensive firepower, USC is likely to score heavily again.
Illinois, despite their recent blowout loss, has managed to score 145 points this season, ranking 21st in the nation. They have been effective at home, holding a 2-0 record, and this could provide them with the opportunity to find their rhythm offensively against USC. Illinois’ ability to score at home suggests they can contribute to a higher total.
Given the stats and the offensive capabilities of both teams, this matchup has the potential to be a high-scoring affair. With both teams capable of reaching the end zone frequently, the over seems to be a promising play.
Combining USC’s explosive offense with Illinois’ potential to score at home, this game is projected to exceed the set total. A final scoreline of USC 42 – Illinois 30 aligns with this expectation.
- Illinois vs USC Prediction: Over 59.0
- Illinois vs USC Score: USC 42 – Illinois 30
