USC vs Illinois Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 27, 2025

By: David Anicetti Updated 09/27/2025, 01:34 AM ET

The USC Trojans visit Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, to face the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX. USC is 4–0 after a 45–31 win over Michigan State. Illinois is 3–1 after a 63–10 loss at Indiana. From underdogs to point spreads, we’ve got your back with free college football picks.

USC Preview

Quarterback Jayden Maiava is getting it done. Maiava has passed for 989 yards with 6 touchdowns and no interceptions, and USC has over 12 yards per completion as a team. The Trojans are led in receiving by Makai Lemon 311 yards and two touchdown receptions, Ja’Kobi Lane with 239 yards and one touchdown, and tight end Lake McRee with 173 yards and one touchdown. The ground game is is also strong as Waymond Jordan has 286 yards and 3 scores, and USC is at 7.0 yards per rush with 12 rushing touchdowns.

The defense is fast and disruptive. Braylan Shelby leads with 3.5 sacks, and USC has 16 sacks overall. Bishop Fitzgerald has 3 interceptions (72 return yards), and linebacker Eric Gentry tops the team with 27 tackles. That rush-plus-takeaway mix for the Trojans has set up short fields and kept opponents from mounting sustained drives.

Illinois Preview

Quarterback Luke Altmyer has 855 yards passing and 9 touchdowns, but pressure has been a problem with 16 sacks. Hank Beatty leads the receivers with 302 yards and one touchdown, while Collin Dixon with 151 yards and two touchdowns and Justin Bowick with 86 yards and three touchdown help finish drives. On the ground, Kaden Feagin has 240 yards and 3 scores, though the team averages just 3.6 yards per rush.

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On defense, the Illini can rush the passer. Gabe Jacas has 3.5 sacks, and Illinois has 12 team sacks. Matthew Bailey (22 tackles) and Miles Scott help steady the back end of the defense, but the group has only one interception so far.

USC vs Illinois Prediction

USC brings more speed outside and a stronger running game. Illinois has playmakers, but pass protection versus USC’s rush will be a tough task. With USC QB Maiava avoiding mistakes and the Trojans facing short second and third downs, the advantage goes to USC. Final Score Prediction: USC Trojans win and cover ATS 31-17.