Illinois Fighting Illini vs USC Trojans Prediction & Picks - NCAA

Prediction published on 9/27/25, 8:32 AM  by Matt Lowrimore | Modified on 9/29/25 at 4:58 PM in NCAA Picks

Saturday’s Week 5 college football slate will feature a ton of interesting games, one of which will see the 21st-ranked USC Trojans take on the 23rd-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini. Let’s take a look at the match statistics and predictions for this game between the Trojans and the Fighting Illini.

USC enters this game with a record of 4-0 and 1-0 in the Big Ten. The Trojans most recently beat the Michigan State Spartans in Week 4 by a score of 45-31. USC’s offense had a total of 523 yards, while its defense allowed 337 yards. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Waymond Jordan led the team in rushing with 157 yards.

As for Illinois, they enter this game with a record of 3-1 and 0-1 in the Big Ten. The Fighting Illini most recently lost to the Indiana Hoosiers in Week 4 by a score of 63-10. Illinois’ offense had a total of 161 yards, while its defense allowed 579 yards. Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw for 146 yards and one touchdown, while running back Kaden Feagin led the team in rushing with 18 yards.