USC's stunning upset over No. 2 Ohio State saves Lincoln Riley from Halloween disaster

November 1, 2026

Lincoln Riley’s USC program delivered a seismic upset over No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday, handing the Trojans a 30–18 victory in a game that saved the Trojans’ season from early disaster.

Jayden Maiava led the charge with 222 passing yards and a touchdown, while Trent Mosley emerged as the offensive spark plug with 145 all-purpose yards, including a game-opening 69-yard touchdown run and a 44-yard punt return that set up USC’s second score. Ohio State, dealing with the injury to starter Julian Sayin, turned to true freshman Luke Fahey, who completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown.

Despite Fahey’s efforts, USC’s defense and special teams dominated early, forcing the Buckeyes into three red-zone field goals—39, 34, and 23 yards—while Mosley’s versatility extended USC’s lead to 20–9 at halftime. The Trojans broke the game open in the third quarter after a West fumble recovery at the Ohio State 32, leading to a 70-yard touchdown pass from Maiava to Mark Bowman and a 1-yard score by King Miller.

Jeremiah Smith capped his historic day with a 1-yard touchdown grab, tying Braylon Edwards’ Big Ten record with his 40th career receiving touchdown, as USC sealed the win with a Tanook Hines onside kick return and a Caden Chittenden field goal with under two minutes left.