For the third time in just over a month, USC travels east for a Big Ten road game on Saturday, Oct. 24, this time for prime-time action against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisc., at 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC).
The Trojans are 2.5-point road favorites, and my USC vs. Wisconsin prediction and college football picks expect Lincoln Riley's program to stay undefeated on the road.
TOP PICK
Who will win USC vs Wisconsin: USC -2.5
USC has long faced criticism for its performances in cross-country road games under Lincoln Riley, but the Trojans beat Penn State by eight points in Week 6 at Happy Valley, covering as 1.5-point favorites. Fresh off a bye week, I like USC to cover -2.5 or better on the road against Wisconsin.
The Badgers and Trojans are so different it's like they're playing completely different sports, and that favors USC. Wisconsin lost by double digits on the West Coast last week to a UCLA team led by a backup QB making his first start as a Bruin, and Jayden Maiava is a lot scarier than Ty Dieffenbach.
Maiava ranks in the Top 10 nationally in QBR (86.8) and is protected by one of the best offensive lines in the country, with the starting five credited with allowing just two sacks. If Wisconsin can't pressure Maiava, he'll pick the Badgers apart, and the Badgers won't be able to throw themselves back into the game.
USC is also expected to have its most disruptive defensive player back, with Jahkeem Stewart listed as probable on the Big Ten injury report.
COVERS INTEL: Wisconsin has one of the worst offenses in the Big Ten, ranking 95th in success rate (42%) and 103rd in early-down EPA per play.
USC vs Wisconsin Over/Under pick: Over 49.5
This is the lowest game total of the season for USC, and that's because Wisconsin is the polar opposite type of team. But even with the Badgers' strong defense and lackluster offense, I would take the Over at 50.5 or better.
In four Big Ten matchups, USC has averaged 31.2 points per game while allowing 26.5, with the game total reaching 54 or higher three times. The dual-threat ability of Badgers QB Colton Joseph should allow him to make enough of a dent against a Trojans defense ranked outside the Top 115 in EPA per pass, EPA per rush, and early-down EPA per play.
USC has only held one opponent below 21 points this season, and has only had one opponent hold it below 27.
USC vs Wisconsin combo
USC's defense remains a huge concern, but with one of the best QBs in college football, an elite offensive line, and a half-dozen quality playmakers, the Trojans have enough firepower to win another game in Big Ten country.
Maiava has too much firepower to utilize for Wisconsin's defense to hold for four quarters, and this is the best offense the Badgers have faced. USC ranks No. 2 nationally in net adjusted EPA per play on offense.
If Stewart and USC's talented defensive line come to play against a Wisconsin front that struggles to run the ball — the Badgers rank 115th in rushing success rate (39.2%) — the Trojans can pull away late.
USC vs Wisconsin combo
- USC -2.5
- USC team total Over 26.5
- USC 4Q -1.5
- Top picks: 15-11, +2.41 units
- Combos: 7-19, +1.47 units
USC vs Wisconsin odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: USC -2.5 | Wisconsin +2.5
- Over/Under: Over 49.5 (50%) | Under 49.5 (50%)
- Moneyline: USC 57% | Wisconsin 43%
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USC vs Wisconsin weather
Weather isn't expected to have an impact on Saturday night's game in Madison, Wisc.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
USC vs Wisconsin trend to know
The Over is 4-0 in USC's last four games vs. teams with a winning record. Find more college football betting trends for USC vs. Wisconsin.
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How to watch USC vs Wisconsin
| Location | Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisc. |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
USC vs Wisconsin latest injuries
Check out our college football injuries page for updates on every team.
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