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NewsWPLG Local 10November 1, 2026Miami-Dade County

USC defeats No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 in college football matchup

Photo: WPLG Local 10

Southern California defeated No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 on Saturday night behind 222 passing yards from Jayden Maiava and standout performances from freshmen Trent Mosley and Mark Bowman. The victory marked USC's first win against a top-12 team under head coach Lincoln Riley.

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Why It Matters

The upset alters the national college football landscape and postseason positioning for both programs, with Ohio State suffering its second loss of the season while playing without injured starting quarterback Julian Sayin.

Key Facts

  • USC defeated No. 2 Ohio State with a final score of 30-18.
  • USC quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 222 yards and one touchdown.
  • USC freshman Trent Mosley caught a 69-yard touchdown pass on the second play from scrimmage and finished with 101 receiving yards.
  • Ohio State played without injured starting quarterback Julian Sayin, starting freshman Luke Fahey in his place.
  • Luke Fahey passed for 260 yards in his first career start.
  • USC built a 20-9 halftime lead.
  • Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith scored on a 1-yard catch with 2:12 remaining, but a subsequent 2-point conversion attempt failed.
  • USC recovered an onside kick and kicked a field goal with 1:46 left to seal the win.
  • USC improved its record to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten.
  • Ohio State fell to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten.
  • Bo Jackson rushed for 121 yards for Ohio State, which totaled 464 yards of offense in the game.

Who's Mentioned

PersonRyan Day“Ohio State head coach.”OrganizationBig Ten“Athletic conference.”locationOrange County“Home region of quarterback Luke Fahey.”PersonTrent Mosley“USC freshman wide receiver who had a 69-yard TD catch and 101 receiving yards.”locationMadison“City where Wisconsin is located.”PersonJayden Maiava“USC quarterback who passed for 222 yards and a touchdown.”PersonKing Miller“USC player who rushed for a score.”PersonJulian Sayin“Injured Ohio State starting quarterback.”locationWisconsin“Location of USC's previous loss.”PersonIsaiah West“Ohio State player who fumbled in the second half.”PersonLuke Fahey“Ohio State freshman quarterback making his first career start.”OrganizationOregon“Ohio State's next opponent.”PersonBo Jackson“Ohio State player who rushed for 121 yards.”OrganizationSouthern California“College football team that won the game.”PersonJeremiah Smith“Ohio State player who scored on a 1-yard catch.”OrganizationOhio State“College football team that lost the game.”locationColumbus“City where Ohio State is located.”locationIndiana“Location where Julian Sayin was previously injured.”PersonUrban Meyer“Former Ohio State coach.”PersonMark Bowman“USC freshman tight end who recorded a 70-yard reception.”PersonLincoln Riley“USC head coach.”PersonWaymond Jordan“USC player who rushed for a score.”locationColiseum“Stadium where the game took place.”