USC Trojans vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Intriguing Betting Odds Released

Betting odds for the USC Trojans' pivotal road matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions are out, and the line may surprise some fans.

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; USC Football head coach Lincoln Riley speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Throughout coach Lincoln Riley’s four-year tenure with the Trojans, USC has struggled to win on the road. It’s an obstacle that has held them back from reaching the College Football Playoff on two separate occasions.

Entering Riley's fifth season as coach, Trojan fans are hoping that changes, and one way for USC to turn that narrative around that they can’t win on the road is earning a signature win over the Penn State Nittany Lions on Oct. 10 in potentially the team’s annual whiteout game at Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley. 

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) and head coach Lincoln Riley react after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As of now, the Trojans are considered the underdog as they look to knock off a revamped and energetic Nittany Lions squad led by new coach Matt Campbell. Here’s a look at the early betting odds for the Oct. 10 Big Ten clash between the Nittany Lions and Trojans. 

USC vs. Penn State Betting Odds

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Football head coach Matt Campbell speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

According to the early betting odds by DraftKings Sportsbook, the Trojans are considered 1.5-point underdogs against the Nittany Lions. The annual Whiteout game is considered one of the best environments in college football every season and has always been a matchup the Nittany Lions have thrived in.

Following an overtime heartbreaker last season against the Oregon Ducks, Penn State looks to potentially rebound this time around if, in fact, their yearly spectacle at Beaver Stadium is against the Trojans. 

Oct 2, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

When the Trojans face the Nittany Lions this season, they’ll be facing off against their former defensive coordinator, D’Anton Lynn, who left Penn State, his alma mater, for the same position following two seasons in Los Angeles. 

If new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson’s defense needed any motivation heading into Happy Valley, this is it. The Trojans' offense will also look to thrive against their former defensive coordinator, presenting a challenge for USC offensively.

USC vs. Penn State All-Time Series

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Over the years, including two Rose Bowls, the Trojans and Nittany Lions have had several iconic matchups. The Trojans lead the series 6-5 over the Nittany Lions, with their last meeting coming in 2024 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum when then-No. 4-ranked Penn State rallied to defeat the Trojans 33-30 in overtime.

An iconic memory that many Trojan fans still hold on to is the 2017 Rose Bowl, when the Trojans, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, defeated running back Saquon Barkley and the Nittany Lions 52-49 in a classic. 

Why Penn State Result Could Determine Trojans CFP Hopes

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; USC Football head coach Lincoln Riley speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Trojans enter the 2026 college football season with one of the toughest schedules in the country, and this midseason clash against the Nittany Lions is among the reasons why. In addition to this game against the Nittany Lions, the Trojans also host two marquee matchups at the Coliseum against Big Ten and national title contenders, the Oregon Ducks (Sept. 26) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (Oct. 31). 

The Trojans will also face coach Curt Cignetti and the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers on Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Depending on the result of those three games, the matchup against the Nittany Lions could be a game that the Trojans can’t afford to lose. 

The projected win total for the Trojans, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, is set at 8.5, which won’t be enough for USC to accomplish its goal of making the CFP. To make it to the championship stage that fans are desperate for, the Trojans likely need to go 10-2. 

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; USC student-athlete Jayden Maiava speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A signature road win over the Nittany Lions, along with an upset victory in either of their three games against the Ducks, Buckeyes, and Hoosiers, could be enough for the Trojans to sneak into the 12-team playoff bracket. 

That is, of course, assuming that the Trojans win the other games on their schedule and don’t slip up at home against a team like quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and the Washington Huskies on Oct. 3 or at the Rose Bowl against their arch-rival, the UCLA Bruins, to end the regular season. 

Returning following a season in which he led the Big Ten in passing, Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava can cement himself as a true contender for the Heisman Trophy with a valuable performance for USC and by guiding them to a win over the Nittany Lions. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, and X for the latest news.