The USC Trojans return to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 15, 2025, facing one of the nation’s toughest and most disciplined defenses in the Iowa Hawkeyes. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, USC enters this Big Ten showdown with one of the most explosive offenses in college football, averaging over 35 points per game and ranking among the top teams nationally in total offense. Quarterback Miller Moss has taken full command of Riley’s offensive system, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns while showcasing poise, decision-making, and accuracy that have kept USC in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl. Moss has been especially effective at spreading the ball across multiple targets, with wide receivers Tahj Washington and Zachariah Branch forming one of the most dangerous duos in the Big Ten. Washington provides veteran reliability with crisp route running and hands, while Branch, one of the fastest players in the country, is a constant big-play threat both on offense and special teams. Tight end Lake McRee has emerged as a valuable red-zone weapon, using his size to exploit mismatches against smaller defenders. On the ground, running back MarShawn Lloyd anchors USC’s rushing attack with over 850 yards and eight touchdowns, bringing balance to an offense that thrives on tempo and spacing. The Trojans’ offensive line, led by veterans Jonah Monheim and Emmanuel Pregnon, has improved significantly in both protection and run blocking, giving Moss the confidence to stretch the field vertically against opposing defenses. Against Iowa’s elite defensive front, this line will be tested heavily, as the Hawkeyes excel at generating pressure without blitzing and closing down running lanes. Defensively, USC has shown steady improvement under coordinator D’Anton Lynn, transforming from a liability into a competent, opportunistic unit.

The Trojans are allowing just over 23 points per game, an improvement from previous seasons, thanks to better tackling fundamentals and consistent pressure from their front seven. Defensive linemen Bear Alexander and Anthony Lucas have become key disruptors, combining for double-digit sacks and controlling gaps effectively, while linebacker Mason Cobb leads the team in tackles and serves as the emotional centerpiece of the defense. In the secondary, Domani Jackson and Calen Bullock headline a group that has improved in communication and coverage discipline, though consistency remains a work in progress. Against an Iowa team that relies heavily on running back Kaleb Johnson and a conservative passing attack, the Trojans’ focus will be on winning early downs and forcing the Hawkeyes into third-and-long situations, where they can unleash their pass rush. Special teams, often overlooked in USC’s fast-paced game, could play an important role here. Kicker Denis Lynch has been dependable from midrange, while Branch’s ability to flip field position as a returner remains a game-breaking weapon. From a betting perspective, USC has struggled to cover spreads at home, going just 3-5 ATS in their last eight Coliseum appearances, often allowing backdoor covers due to defensive lapses. However, against a methodical Iowa team, their superior athleticism and scoring ceiling provide an advantage that should wear the Hawkeyes down over four quarters. Expect Riley’s offense to test Iowa’s secondary early with deep shots, opening up the middle of the field for Lloyd and McRee as the game progresses. If USC can jump out to an early lead, their tempo and offensive versatility could neutralize Iowa’s grind-it-out style and force the Hawkeyes to play outside their comfort zone. The key for the Trojans will be maintaining patience — Iowa’s defense doesn’t break easily, but sustained drives and discipline can eventually create opportunities. Prediction: USC 24, Iowa 17, as Moss’s precision passing and a resilient defense carry the Trojans to a tough, physical home win that solidifies their position as a Big Ten contender.