Three Takeaways From USC's Big Ten Schedule Release

Here are three takeaways from USC’s 2026-27 Big Ten schedule as they aim to makean expanded 76-team tournament. 

USC Gets Michigan and Michigan State At Home

The Trojans will face two of the top Big Ten teams at the Galen Center: the defending national champions, the Michigan Wolverines, and the Michigan State Spartans. Last season, the Trojans took a beating on the road against both Michigan and Michigan State, losing the two matchups by 25-plus points. 

This time around, the Trojans, with an improved roster, look to have better luck against the Wolverines and the Spartans. While the Trojans didn’t beat the Wolverines the last time they visited the Galen Center during the 2024-25 season, they did defeat the Spartans, upsetting a top ten-ranked Michigan State squad 70-64 on Feb. 1, 2025.

Still a Tough Road Schedule Ahead For Trojans 

One of the biggest keys to success next season is how they perform away from the Galen Center. Last season, the Trojans went 5-6 on the road and earned one notable 73-71 win against the Wisconsin Badgers. 

Entering the 2026-27 season, the Trojans will face several challenging road tests, which include matchups against three other Big Ten teams, the Purdue Boilermakers, the Illinois Fighting Illini, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, along with a game against the Indiana Hoosiers. 

While USC added the No. 3 overall transfer portal class in the Big Ten, per 247Sports, the Hooisers were No. 1. How USC performs on the road next season will dictate which seed they earn in the tournament.   

Home Battles Against Iowa and Wisconsin

In addition to hosting two of the Big Ten’s best at the Galen Center next season in Michigan and Michigan State, the Trojans are also set to face both the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers in Los Angeles.

The Badgers and Hawkeyes were among the two underrated teams in the Big Ten last season, and the Trojans went 1-1 on the road against them. Both the Badgers and Hawkeyes are coming off impressive seasons. While the Badgers were upset by High Point in the first round of the tournament, the Hawkeyes made a March Madness run to the Elite 8 as a No. 9 seed. 

The Hawkeyes' season came to an end in the Elite 8, losing 71-59 to the Illinois Fighting Illini, after knocking off the top-seeded Florida Gators and Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Hawkeyes could again be a tough Big Ten team next season, making for an exciting matchup at the Galen Center against the Trojans.