Is this the year Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans reclaim their glory? The 2025 season opener against Missouri State features Jayden Maiava’s much-anticipated debut as starting QB. Will he live up to the Heisman hype, or will the Bears pull off an unthinkable upset? Get the full scoop on what promises to be an explosive start!
The highly anticipated 2025 USC Trojans Football season is set to kick off with considerable fanfare, as the team hosts the Missouri State Bears at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, August 30. This pivotal opening game marks the official beginning of a new era, with quarterback Jayden Maiava stepping into the starting role under the watchful eye of head coach Lincoln Riley, aiming to establish immediate momentum for the Trojans in their quest for Big Ten Conference prominence.
Jayden Maiava’s ascension to the starting quarterback position is a significant storyline, building on his promising performances at the close of the last season where he led USC to a 3-1 record in his four starts. Expectations are naturally high, given Riley’s unparalleled track record of developing elite quarterbacks, including three Heisman Trophy winners—Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams—all of whom became No. 1 overall NFL Draft picks and are currently starting in the NFL. Maiava has had a full offseason to fine-tune his chemistry with key receivers like Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon.
For Lincoln Riley, this fourth season in Los Angeles represents a crucial juncture. After an impressive 11-win debut in 2022, the Trojans have experienced more modest success, finishing 7-5 in 2023 and 6-6 in 2024. A strong start against the Missouri State Bears is imperative not only for team morale but also to reassert USC’s dominance and trajectory under Riley’s leadership, setting a positive tone for the demanding Big Ten schedule ahead.
The visiting Missouri State Bears, led by third-year coach Ryan Beard, arrive in Los Angeles following an 8-4 campaign in 2024. Coach Beard has compiled a respectable 12-11 record in his two seasons at the helm, indicating a program on an upward trend. While the Bears present a challenge, the Trojans, playing on their home turf, are widely expected to control the tempo and secure a decisive victory.
Early College Football Prediction metrics and Betting Odds strongly favor the home team. The USC Trojans are listed as substantial 35.5-point favorites over Missouri State, with the over/under set at 59.5 points. These figures underscore the perceived gap between the two programs and project a high-scoring affair where USC’s offense is expected to flourish, validating the FPI’s assessment of their potential.
Entering their second season in the challenging Big Ten Conference, USC aims for a much stronger showing than their inaugural year, which saw them finish tied for ninth with a 4-5 conference record. The opening match against Missouri State is an opportunity to fine-tune their strategy and execution before diving into the rigorous conference play, where they aspire to contend for a spot in the Big Ten title game.
Ultimately, all signs point to the USC Trojans handling their opening week business with efficiency and flair. Fans can anticipate a dominant performance, reminiscent of their impressive win over LSU to open the 2024 season. It will also be intriguing to observe if a commanding lead allows freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet to gain valuable game experience, signaling the depth and future potential of the Trojans’ quarterback room.
