Three San Jose State Spartans To Know Before USC Trojans Season Opener

These are the San Jose State Spartans players to watch in the USC Trojans' season opener on Saturday.

Nov 29, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans head coach Ken Niumatalolo stands on the field after their win over the Stanford Cardinal at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Game week has finally arrived as the USC Trojans will open the 2026 college football season on Saturday against the San Jose State Spartans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 

The Trojans finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 overall record and went 7-2 in Big Ten play. Now in their fifth year under coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans face massive expectations to break through and reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.

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 are overwhelming 38.5-point favorites to beat San Jose State in their season opener, according to the latest betting odds by DraftKings Sportsbook. Despite the favorable odds, a few players on the Spartans' roster will be worth watching on Saturday when they face the Trojans. Here’s a breakdown of those three players. 

Luke Weaver, QB

Aug 30, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Hawaii Rainbow Warriors quarterback Luke Weaver (2) looks to pass the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Spartans named Hawaii Rainbow Warriors transfer quarterback Luke Weaver the starter for Saturday’s matchup against the Trojans. In his one season with the Rainbow Warriors, Weaver threw for 628 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, completing 60 percent of his passes. 

Weaver spent most of the season playing backup to starting quarterback Micah Alejado, who helped lead the Rainbow Warriors to a 9-4 overall record and 5-3 in Mountain West play. The Rainbow Warriors capped off their 2025 season with a 35-31 win over the California Golden Bears in the Hawaii Bowl. 

In the games Weaver started last season against the Portland State Vikings and Sam Houston State Bearkats, the former Rainbow Warriors quarterback threw for over 200 yards in both matchups. 

The Trojans' defense under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson should put on an impressive showing against Weaver and the Spartans on Saturday.

Ethan Powell, LB

Sep 20, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Dylan Paine (30) scores a touchdown against San Jose State Spartans linebacker Ethan Powell (26) in double overtime at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State Cougars won 54-52 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Senior linebacker Ethan Powell is a player to watch for the Spartans' defense as they prepare to face the Trojans' high-powered offense led by star quarterback and Heisman Trophy contender Jayden Maiava. 

Powell is set to return for his fifth season with the Spartans, where he has recorded 90 total tackles, one interception, and one sack. Last season was one of Powell’s best with the Spartans as he finished with 37 total tackles. 

Jabari Bates, RB

Nov 9, 2024; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; San Jose State Spartans running back Jabari Bates (6) runs the ball against the Oregon State Beavers during the second quarter at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

With Steve Chavez-Soto's decision to transfer to the Utah Utes, Jabari Bates steps in as the Spartans' new starting running back this season. In his three seasons in the Spartans' backfield, Bates has rushed for 476 yards and three touchdowns on 97 carries.

Bates' season-high last year came in a 31-28 win over the Idaho Vandals, where he recorded 11 carries for 131 yards and one touchdown. We’ll see if Bates can find any success against a Trojans rush defense that will be without sophomore defensive end Jahkeem Stewart, who recently suffered a foot injury. 

How San Jose State Spartans Finished 2025 Season 

Nov 1, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans running back Steve Chavez-Soto (15) celebrates after the touchdown against the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine during the second quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The San Jose State Spartans were among the worst teams in the FBS last season, finishing at 3-9 overall and going 2-6 in Mountain West play. The Spartans' three wins last season all came by single digits at home against the Idaho Vandals, New Mexico Lobos, and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

The two major Power Four candidates that the Spartans faced last season were the Texas Longhorns and Stanford Cardinal, both on the road. The Spartans lost 31-7 in Austin to quarterback Arch Manning’s Longhorns and barely pulled off an upset against Stanford, falling 30-29. 

USC Trojans vs. San Jose State Spartans Kickoff Time

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) carries the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The kickoff on Saturday between USC and San Jose State is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT at the Coliseum, with the game broadcast on NBC. The Trojans are 6-0 in the all-time series against the Spartans, with their last meeting coming in 2023. The Trojans, led by former quarterback Caleb Williams, won that game comfortably 56-28 at the Coliseum.

Following their season opener against San Jose State, the Trojans will also host the Fresno State Bulldogs and Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in non-conference play at the Coliseum. The Trojans have won nine consecutive season openers and look to continue that streak with a win over the Spartans.

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