USC Trojans to Face Penn State in Potential 'White Out' Game

The highly anticipated matchup is set to take place at Beaver Stadium in 2026.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Penn State's annual 'White Out' game is one of the most electric atmospheres in college football, and the USC Trojans are expected to be the opponent when the two programs square off on November 1, 2026 at Beaver Stadium. The Trojans will be coming off a tough three-game stretch to start the season, facing Oregon and Washington at home before the cross-country trip to Happy Valley.

Why it matters

The 'White Out' game is a marquee event for Penn State, and facing the Trojans, who are expected to be a top contender in 2026, will only add to the hype and anticipation. For USC, this will be a crucial road test as they look to establish themselves as a force in the Big Ten after struggling away from home in their first two seasons in the conference.

The details

Penn State's 'White Out' game typically features a high-profile matchup under the lights at Beaver Stadium. Last season, the Nittany Lions faced Oregon in front of a crowd of 111,015. This year, the USC Trojans are the favorite to be the opponent, as they are the biggest road team the Nittany Lions will face in their Big Ten home schedule that also includes Wisconsin, Purdue, Minnesota, and Rutgers.

  • USC will host Oregon on September 26, 2026.
  • The following week, USC will host Washington.
  • USC's trip to Penn State for the 'White Out' game will be on November 1, 2026.

The players

Jayden Maiava

The USC Trojans' quarterback who struggled in a road environment against Nebraska last season, going 9-of-23 for 135 yards and an interception.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans, who is looking to shift the narrative around his team's road struggles in the Big Ten.

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What’s next

The hope is that the Nebraska game serves as a learning experience for USC before they possibly face Penn State in an equally, if not tougher environment.

The takeaway

This matchup between USC and Penn State in the 'White Out' game will be a crucial road test for the Trojans as they look to establish themselves as a force in the Big Ten after struggling away from home in their first two seasons in the conference.