USC Fans Won't Love To See Trojans Record vs. Rivals In Big Ten

Following the USC Trojans' 34-32 loss to the No. 22 Illinois Fighting Illini, their conference record since joining the Big Ten is 6-6. USC's Big Ten record compared to this former Pac-12 rival is a concern for many Trojans fans.

Nov 11, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley, left, and Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning talk before a game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Since moving to the Big Ten Conference from the Pac-12 last season, the USC Trojans have struggled to put together wins in conference play. After the latest 34-32 loss to the No. 22 Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, USC has a 6-6 record against Big Ten teams since joining the conference.

This record, compared to one of their fiercest former Pac-12 rivals, will make USC fans upset about the current state of their program in the Big Ten.

Remember when certain fan bases told us Oregon would have a hard time adjusting to the Big 10? Weird 🤨

Oregon: 11-0
USC: 6-6
Washington: 4-6
UCLA: 3-7 pic.twitter.com/tKKo2uVIo8

— Hightop Oregon (@HightopOregon) September 29, 2025

Oregon Ducks Remain Undefeated Since Joining The Big Ten

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, grabs the game-winning interception as Oregon inside linebacker Jerry Mixon celebrates as the Oregon Ducks face the Penn State Nittany Lions on Sept. 27, 2025, at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 2 Oregon Ducks' record in the Big Ten remains undefeated at 11-0 on Saturday night after the statement 30-24 overtime win over the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions in a whiteout at Beaver Stadium.

Not only has Oregon remained undefeated in conference games since joining the Big Ten, but The Ducks won the conference championship in their first season and beaten some of the top teams in the league, including Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan.

The Ducks' loss to the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl doesn't count towards Oregon's 11-0 Big Ten record.

MORE: USC Trojans Quarterback Jayden Maiava Shows Human Side In Upset Loss To Illinois

MORE: Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Reveals USC Trojans 'Riled Up' Fighting Illini Before Game

MORE: USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Defends Late Game Clock Management In Loss To Illinois  

USC's Recent Struggles in Big Ten Games Compared to Oregon

Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) scrambles with the ball during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Many USC fans have been left wondering why the Trojans can't have the same success as the Ducks. USC's losses in the Big Ten are concerning, given who they've lost to in conference play. Last season, the Trojans went 4-5 in conference games, which included losses to Michigan, Minnesota, Penn State, Maryland, and Washington.

All six losses that USC has suffered to Big Ten teams since joining the conference have been decided by seven points or less. USC has shown the ability to win in the Big Ten; it's how they perform late in games that is a cause for concern. The 34-32 loss to Illinois on Saturday was another close loss and a game where USC had multiple opportunities to earn a win on the road.

It's a key reason why coach Lincoln Riley is under extreme pressure to lead USC to a successful season. The results in the key conference games on USC's schedule, including coming up against No. 20 Michigan (Oct. 11), Nebraska (Nov. 1), and No. 2 Oregon (Nov. 22), will define the Trojans' season and Riley's job security as coach.

Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley talks with players during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

USC's Opportunity to Get Back on Track in Big Ten Games

USC's matchup against the Michigan Wolverines coming out of the bye week is a prime opportunity for Riley and the Trojans to get their Big Ten record back on track in front of a sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

After playing the Wolverines, USC will head back out of conference to face No. 21 Notre Dame on the road in South Bend. USC hasn't beaten the Fighting Irish in South Bend since the 2011 season.