USC vs Nebraska Picks and Prediction for Saturday, November 1, 2025

By: Jake Allman Updated 10/31/2025, 08:22 PM ET

The Big Ten spotlight turns to Lincoln as the USC Trojans visit the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Both teams enter with winning records and postseason hopes, making this an intriguing matchup. USC sits at 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play, while Nebraska has quietly built a 6-2 record and a solid 3-2 mark in league games. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 PM ET on NBC. Don’t guess on Saturday—grab the smartest plays with our free college football predictions.

USC Preview

USC aims to bounce back from a 34-24 loss at Notre Dame, a game that exposed defensive problems but reaffirmed the ability of quarterback Jayden Maiava. He’s been sharp all year, throwing for 2,180 yards with 15 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions. Maiava has excelled in passing, completing over 68 percent of his throws, and wideout Makai Lemon has emerged as his most reliable target, recording 758 yards and six scores. Waymond Jordan gives the offense balance with 576 rushing yards and five touchdowns, giving the Trojans a capable running complement. The offense remains among the Big Ten’s most explosive, consistently finding ways to move the chains even when pass protection falters.

Nebraska Preview

Nebraska has been the model of toughness, responding from early struggles to win four of its last five. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola continues to impress, throwing for 1,909 yards and 17 touchdowns while showing poise against heavy pressure. Running back Emmett Johnson has carried the load on the ground, tallying 837 yards and nine touchdowns to anchor a punishing run game. The Cornhuskers’ offense relies on Johnson’s ability to create after contact, and with wide receiver Nyziah Hunter adding 525 yards through the air, they’ve become more balanced than in recent seasons. Linebacker Javin Wright leads the defense with 52 tackles, while Dasan McCullough’s versatility has been key in controlling the middle of the field.

USC vs Nebraska Prediction

This matchup likely turns on which defense can withstand the most pressure. USC’s front seven, led by Braylan Shelby with 3.5 sacks, will be tested by Nebraska’s rushing attack. Conversely, Nebraska’s secondary must find ways to slow Maiava and limit big plays to Lemon and the Trojan receivers. Turnovers could be decisive—USC has been more disciplined in that area this season, giving them a slight edge.

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Prediction: USC 35, Nebraska 27 USC’s passing and ability to finish drives will carry the Trojans to a win, but Nebraska’s home-field advantage keeps it close deep into the fourth quarter.