USC vs San Jose State: How to Watch, Preview, and Iowa Connections
College football returns this Saturday with a Week 0 showdown between the San Jose State Spartans and the No. 14 USC Trojans. The game kicks off at 2:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, marking the start of a highly anticipated 2026 season. For Iowa fans, this matchup offers a glimpse of Big Ten competition, as USC enters its third year in the conference alongside traditional powers like Iowa.
How to watch San Jose State vs. USC
Fans can catch the game live on NBC or stream it via Peacock. To watch on Peacock, viewers need a subscription to the service, which offers a free trial for new users. Existing Peacock subscribers can simply sign in on their devices. The game is part of the Big Ten's broadcast package, which includes Iowa Hawkeyes games throughout the season.
San Jose State faces a rebuilding year
The Spartans finished 3-9 last season and are undergoing significant changes. Quarterback Walker Eget transferred to Duke, and wide receiver Danny Scudero, who led the FBS in receiving yards, moved to Colorado. Hawaii transfer Luke Weaver is expected to start at quarterback under head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who is entering his third year with the program.
USC aims for a playoff breakthrough
USC has never made the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014. Head coach Lincoln Riley, in his fourth year, hopes to change that with one of the nation's top offenses. Redshirt senior quarterback Jayden Maiava, who led the Big Ten in total offense last year with 465.5 yards per game, returns for his second full season as starter. Running backs King Miller and Waymond Jordan also return, giving the Trojans a formidable ground game.
However, USC lost two top wide receivers to the NFL draft. Makai Lemon (20th overall to the Eagles) and Ja'Kobi Lane (3rd round to the Ravens) accounted for 49.4% of the team's receiving yards last season. To fill the void, the Trojans will rely on a 2026 recruiting class ranked No. 1 nationally, featuring true freshmen receivers Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Ethan 'Boobie' Feaster, and Trent Mosley, along with tight end Mark Bowman.
Iowa connections and Big Ten context
This game highlights the growing reach of the Big Ten, which now includes USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. For Iowa fans, the conference alignment means more high-profile matchups and increased visibility for the Hawkeyes. The Big Ten, founded in 1896, remains the oldest college athletic conference in the NCAA, with Iowa as a longtime member.
While Iowa is not playing in this Week 0 game, the season ahead promises competitive action across the conference. Fans can follow all Big Ten games on Peacock, which also streams NFL, NBA, MLB, and other major sports.
What to watch for
San Jose State will look to upset a ranked opponent, but USC's offensive firepower makes them a heavy favorite. The Spartans' new quarterback and receiving corps will be tested early. For USC, the question is whether their young receivers can step up and support Maiava's Heisman-caliber play.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 PM ET on Saturday. Don't miss the action as the 2026 college football season begins.