USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins Early Betting Odds Turning Heads

The USC Trojans open as favorites in their annual Crosstown Rivalry matchup against the UCLA Bruins in what could be a trap game to end the regular season.

Nov 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The 2026 edition of the Crosstown Rivalry between the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins has the potential to be a memorable matchup for both of Los Angeles' premier college fan bases.

With the arrival of former James Madison Dukes coach Bob Chesney to UCLA and the return of star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the Bruins have the potential to be among the Big Ten’s biggest surprises this season.

As he enters his first season as the new coach leading the charge for the Bruins, Chesney looks to follow the same formula to success that his predecessor at James Madison, Curt Cignetti, has used with the Indiana Hoosiers. 

Jul 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Football head coach Bob Chesney speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Similar to Cignetti’s first season with the Hoosiers, Chesney brings in a solid transfer portal class to UCLA, some of whom followed him from James Madison to Westwood, most notably running back Wayne Knight. 

These transfers could help the Bruins earn a signature win to close out the regular season against the Trojans and potentially spoil USC’s College Football Playoff aspirations in their fifth season under coach Lincoln Riley. 

With the Crosstown Rivalry matchup scheduled to take place at the Rose Bowl on Nov. 28, early betting odds suggest that the Bruins could be a sneaky underdog at home and poised to upset the Trojans to end the regular season.

Early Betting Odds For Trojans vs. Bruins Crosstown Rivalry Clash

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

According to the early betting odds by DraftKings Sportsbook, the Trojans are currently 10.5-point favorites to beat the Bruins in the annual Crosstown Rivalry matchup on Nov. 28. The over-under line is set at 55.5. 

With the return of star quarterback Jayden Maiava, who led the Big Ten in passing last season, the Trojans are expected to still have among the best offenses in college football, which could result in more than 55 total points scored in this year’s rivalry matchup with the Bruins. 

Last season, a total of 39 points were scored as the Trojans beat the Bruins 29-10 to cap off an undefeated record at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Bruins covered the 21.5-point spread, and the under 59.5 total points were scored in the rivalry game.  

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

During his four seasons as the Trojans' coach, Riley has had success against the Bruins, as he's 3-1 in the rivalry series. The Trojans have won two straight games in the rivalry series, as the Bruins' last win came in 2023 when UCLA upset USC 38-20 in what was a disappointing final season for former star quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

In terms of the all-time series between the two heated rivals, the Trojans lead the Bruins 52-34-7. The last time the Trojans won three consecutive games in the rivalry was from 2015 to 2017, when former USC quarterback Sam Darnold and coach Clay Helton were leading the charge. 

Biggest Keys to UCLA Upset Win Over USC 

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) throws the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For the Bruins to pull off the stunning upset against the Trojans this November, it may ultimately come down to the play of Bruins starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. In last season’s rivalry matchup at the Coliseum, Iamaleava challenged the Trojans' defense.

Iamaleava's impressive play was enough for the Bruins to have a 10-7 lead at halftime before the Trojans outscored the Bruins 22-0 in the second half. Iamaleava finished the loss by throwing for 200 yards and one touchdown on 27-of-38 passing.

With what Trojan fans hope will be an improved defense under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, can Iamaleava, with better coaching this time around, guide UCLA to an upset win?

Trojans High Expectations This Season

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

With high expectations to break through and reach the CFP for the first time in program history and during Riley’s tenure, this is a game that the Trojans can’t afford to lose. All three of the Trojans regular-season losses last year came on the road against the Illinois Fighting Illini, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Oregon Ducks. 

Given how much of a struggle it has been for the Trojans to win on the road in recent years, this matchup against the Bruins won’t be any easier, especially with it being in a rivalry atmosphere at the Rose Bowl. According to the latest projected win totals by FanDuel Sportsbook, the Trojans are at 8.5 wins, which likely won’t be enough to make the CFP. 

In addition to beating the Bruins to close out the regular season, the Trojans, who have one of the toughest schedules in college football, will likely need to earn an upset win against one of these three opponents: the Oregon Ducks (Sept. 26), Ohio State Buckeyes (Oct. 31), and Indiana Hoosiers (Nov. 14) to make the CFP. What helps the Trojans is that two of those games, Oregon and Ohio State, are at the Coliseum.

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.

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