Two teams looking to bounce back after a crippling defeat meet at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as Washington visits USC (75%) in Week 5.
My early Washington vs. USC predictions see Trojans -9.5 as a wide spread, given the favorite is 1-4 ATS with a poor defense and numerous injuries on offense.
Read below for my college football picks for Saturday, Oct. 3.
Washington vs USC predictions
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Early Washington vs USC spread pick: Washington +9.5
USC hasn't proven enough to deserve a two-score spread against a game conference opponent, so I'd play Washington down to +7.5.
This is a difficult motivational spot for the Trojans, who just had their hopes dashed at home by Oregon's backup quarterback. With a gauntlet of a schedule still ahead, USC is going to need to show way more heart than we've seen thus far under Lincoln Riley to be taken seriously.
Their defensive vulnerabilities, 108th in EPA per play and 134th in PFF's tackling grade, keep nearly any opponent alive. The Huskies are much stingier on that side of the ball, led by coordinator Ryan Walters, ranking 10th in EPA per play, and therefore warrant a play as the underdog.
USC's secondary isn't effective (131st in EPA per pass), and that's not a weakness you want against a team ranked within the Top 10 in pass rate.
Start trading with Kalshi today!
Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'COVERS60' and trade $25 on any event contracts to get $60!
*Eligible U.S. locations only
Early Washington vs USC total pick: Under 57.5
Washington's defense has been its calling card. Walters' aggressive defensive scheme has flustered opponents, limiting them to 16.8 ppg on 289.3 total yards per game.
The Huskies average 7.0 tackles for loss per game and rank third nationally in stuff rate. Limiting opponents to 3.2 yards per rush is an encouraging sign when facing a USC offense that is dealing with a plethora of injuries out wide.
Star freshman Trent Mosley is likely out again this week, and teammate Corey Simms missed the Oregon game. With Tanook Hines still at less than 100% — he caught a single pass for 11 yards a week ago — the Trojans simply don't have the requisite number of difference makers at receiver.
On the flip side, Demond Williams Jr. and the Huskies haven't gotten going offensively. There haven't been enough big plays in the air (116th in passing explosiveness) to compensate for a lack of running game (3.7 yards per rush) caused by running back injuries and poor offensive line play (102nd in line yards).
Washington vs USC odds
- Washington vs USC spread: USC -9.5
- Washington vs USC moneyline: Washington 25%, USC 75%
- Washington vs USC Over/Under: 57.5
How to watch Washington vs USC
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, 7:30 p.m. ET
- City: Los Angeles, CA
- Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- TV: NBC
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
