USC faces Ohio State star receiver

USC will host No. 2 Ohio State at a sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, October 31, in a contest that places the Trojans in a high-stakes defensive role.

The unranked Trojans, who are 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten, aim to recover from their previous week's loss in Wisconsin. Their primary challenge is containing Jeremiah Smith, a wide receiver who leads the Big Ten with 984 yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and remains a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has not announced a starting quarterback, leaving the decision between two inexperienced players. Julian Sayin is out indefinitely with an injury. Freshman Luke Fahey has completed nine of 13 passes for 203 yards and two interceptions in four games. Sophomore Tavien St. Clair has thrown five of seven passes for 52 yards and one interception in two games.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley compared Smith to Michael Crabtree, a former Texas Tech star and 2009 NFL Draft pick. Riley stated that Smith is the closest player to Crabtree in terms of dominance at the college level. The Trojans coach noted that the opposing team's new quarterback situation creates a dynamic similar to the start of a season, requiring USC to adjust quickly to unfamiliar play-calling.

The Buckeyes may rely on their rushing attack to support the young signal caller. Bo Jackson leads the team with 542 yards on 107 carries. Ja'Kobi Jackson, who has 356 yards on 59 carries, will miss the game due to a Lisfranc injury. Isaiah West, with 133 yards on 28 rushes, is expected to fill in for Jackson.

USC's defense allows 8.1 yards per reception and 216.4 receiving yards per game. Defensive tackle Jide Abasiri said the team estimates the new quarterback's tendencies based on limited film. Freshman Luke Wafle, who has recorded three sacks in the last three games, will set the edge against the visiting quarterbacks.

The Trojans' offense is second in the Big Ten in passing. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been protected by an offensive line that allowed only limited pressure during most of the season, with the exception of the Wisconsin game. The team must manage the clock against a Buckeyes pass defense that allows 171.4 yards per game. Running back King Miller leads the Trojans' rushing attack, while senior Waymond Jordan, who missed the Wisconsin game with an ankle injury, remains a game-time decision.