It's a ranked Big Ten clash in Champaign on Saturday as the No. 21 USC Trojans (4-0) visit the No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini (3-1) at Memorial Stadium.
The Illini are reeling after last week's nightmare at No. 11 Indiana, where they were thrashed 63-10. That defeat makes this weekend's showdown even more crucial — a second straight loss would undo much of the momentum from their 10-win 2024 campaign and hot 3-0 start.
The challenge won't be easy, though, with USC looking like every bit the powerhouse it envisioned when Lincoln Riley came over from Oklahoma. The Trojans have raced out to a 4-0 start, scoring at least 33 points in every outing, and enter as the Big Ten's lone 2-0 squad after knocking off Purdue and Michigan State by a combined 78-48.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the Illinois vs USC NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
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Illinois vs USC: Date and kick-off time
The Fighting Illini will take on the Trojans in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12:00 pm ET or 9:00 am PT at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL.
| Date | Saturday, September 27, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 12:00 pm ET or 9:00 am PT |
| Venue | Memorial Stadium |
| Location | Champaign, IL |
How to watch Illinois vs USC on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: FOX
- Streaming service: Fubo
Streaming the game with a VPN
Unable to watch this game due to broadcast restrictions? A VPN could be the answer to your problems.
You can watch the game from wherever you are in the world by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service such as Express VPN. A VPN will allow you to create a secure connection online when you are abroad on holiday or for work, and you want to stream the game live. You can eventry ExpressVPN risk-freewith a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you are not sure which VPN to use or how to use a VPN, we have taken a look at the best options available out there for watching live sports - check out the best VPN services review here.
Illinois vs USC team news & key players
Illinois Fighting Illini team news
Illinois heads into the clash battered on defense, especially in the secondary. All-Big Ten corner Xavier Scott remains sidelined, while safety Matthew Bailey is in concussion protocol. USC has concerns of its own, with top receiver Ja’Kobi Lane questionable after sitting out against Michigan State.Against Indiana, quarterback Luke Altmyer managed 146 passing yards, completing 14 of his 22 throws (63.6%) with one touchdown and no turnovers. On the ground, Kaden Feagin was limited to 18 yards on five carries, averaging 3.6 yards per attempt. The bright spot came through the air with Collin Dixon, who hauled in four receptions for 86 yards, an impressive 21.5 yards per catch, and found the end zone once.
USC Trojans team news
The Trojans are fresh off a 45-31 win over the Spartans, a game closer than expected but still another display of offensive fireworks. They piled up 523 total yards — their third 500+ outing of the year, with an even mix of 234 passing and 289 rushing.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been sharp, throwing for 1,223 yards and nine scores while completing nearly 71% of his passes. He’s been pressured just twice all season and leads the nation in completions of 50+ yards. His favorite target, Makai Lemon, has racked up 438 yards and three touchdowns, but USC has depth everywhere, with four wideouts topping 100 receiving yards already.
On the ground, Waymond Jordan has powered the attack with 443 yards and three scores, while King Miller has been electric in limited work, averaging a jaw-dropping 13.8 yards per carry. Simply put, USC's balance makes them one of the toughest offenses in the country to gameplan against.