USC 2026 Schedule: Fresno State game moved to Friday
There is a notable 2026 USC schedule change as the program announced on Friday its Week 1 matchup with Fresno State will now be played on Friday, Sept. 4. The game will be televised on FOX. A kickoff time will be announced at a later date.
This will be the second matchup of the season for USC after opening Week 0 against San Jose State. Friday’s matchup will allow for extra prep/rest going into Week 2’s game against Louisiana.
USC did not have a Friday night game on the 2026 schedule prior to this move.
The Fresno State matchup will welcome former USC linebacker coach Matt Entz back to the Coliseum. Entz coached one season at USC before taking the head coaching job. Entz went 9-4 his first season with the Bulldogs.
No Excuses
It’s no secret that the USC schedule is one of the toughest in the nation for 2026.
While the upcoming USC schedule might have Trojan fans stressing, that is not the case when it comes to those inside the USC program. Trojan general manager Chad Bowden made it clear earlier this spring that the program is not looking for any excuses.
- 1
NewLane Kiffin reveals what he would change about Ole Miss exit
- 2
Bryce Underwood back for Round 2
- 3
Bret Bielema backs CFP expansion amid debate
- 4
Tony Petitti maintains 'deep commitment' to 24-team CFP
- 5
Iowa State AD calls for Big Ten, SEC to leave NCAA
Get the On3 Top 10 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“The schedule is perfect,” said Bowden earlier this spring. “It’s exactly what this program needs it to be. I think the Big Ten did a great job. I’ve had a lot of different people come up to me, whether it’s donors, fans. A lot of different people have talked to me about the schedule. We don’t need excuses. That’s not what we are looking for. We are ready. This is a great football team. They love each other. It’s a great staff. This is the most perfect schedule for this program. We cannot wait to play in those games.”
The Trojans are looking to take another step forward for Lincoln Riley’s fifth season at the helm. USC football came a brutal overtime loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl from Riley’s second ten-win season in Los Angeles. They finished 9-4, his best mark since 2022.
USC and Riley are feeling the pressure for a College Football Playoff bid this fall. The path will include games on the road at Wisconsin, Penn State and defending national champion Indiana. USC will also host Ohio State, Oregon and Washington.
BECOME A WEARESC MEMBER TODAY! Sign up RIGHT NOW for 1$ for an annual membership price for the best coverage of USC football!
