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USC Men's Basketball 2025-26 Season Schedule Released

10/10/2025, 5:04:32 PM

Overview of the Schedule

The University of Southern California (USC) men's basketball team has unveiled its complete schedule for the 2025-26 season, featuring 31 regular-season games along with exhibition matches. The Trojans will kick off their regular season on Monday, November 3, against Cal Poly at 6:30 p.m. PT, streaming on B1G+. Their first exhibition game is set for Saturday, October 18, against Loyola Marymount University (LMU), also streaming on ESPN+.

Key Dates and Broadcast Information

USC's schedule includes a mix of non-conference and Big Ten games. Notable matchups include:

  • Exhibition Games:
  • October 18: at LMU, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
  • October 25: at Grand Canyon, 6:30 p.m. (Mountain West Network)
  • Regular Season Highlights:
  • November 3: vs. Cal Poly, 6:30 p.m. (B1G+)
  • December 2: at Oregon, 7 p.m. (FS1)
  • February 24: at UCLA, 8 p.m. (FS1)
  • March 7: vs. UCLA, 6 p.m. (FS1)

The Trojans will face a challenging schedule, particularly in January, where they will play against formidable opponents like Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue.

Broadcast Breakdown

The broadcast designations for USC's games are as follows:

  • Big Ten Network (BTN): 12 games
  • FS1: 7 games
  • Peacock: 6 games
  • B1G+: 2 games
  • ESPN/ESPN2: 3 games
  • TBD: 1 game

Challenges Ahead

USC's non-conference schedule is considered one of the easier slates among Power Five teams, with only a couple of Power Five opponents expected in the Maui Invitational. However, the Trojans will encounter a tough start to their Big Ten play, facing several ranked teams early in January, including a stretch of games against Michigan, Michigan State, and Maryland.

Official Statements & Responses

USC's head coach Eric Musselman expressed optimism about the upcoming season, highlighting the team's preparation and the importance of the early games in setting the tone for the conference play. The coaching staff is focused on building on last season's performance, where the team finished with a 17-18 record and a 7-13 mark in the Big Ten.

Criticism & Opposition

Despite the excitement surrounding the new season, some analysts have pointed out that USC's schedule lacks the competitive edge seen in other programs within the conference. Critics argue that the non-conference games may not adequately prepare the team for the rigors of Big Ten competition.

What's Next

As the season approaches, USC will finalize its preparations, including potential roster adjustments and strategies to enhance performance against a demanding schedule. The Trojans aim to improve upon last season's results and make a significant impact in the Big Ten.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “We’re excited about the opportunity for guys to get to go back home and see family and friends, but not making it too much of a (big) deal.” — Eric Musselman, Head Coach, USC Trojans

This comprehensive schedule sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging season for USC men's basketball, with fans eager to see how the team performs against a mix of familiar and new rivals.