USC will open the season on Aug. 29 with a familiar opponent, facing San José State for the seventh time in program history. It also marks the second meeting between the schools in the Lincoln Riley era, as the Trojans once again welcome their inu2011state foe to Los Angeles.
San José State slides into the spot previously occupied by Notre Dame, as the longu2011running USC–Irish series pauses for now. The Trojans enter the matchup a perfect 6–0 allu2011time against the Spartans, most recently posting a 56–28 win in 2023 behind Heisman winner Caleb Williams, who threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns.