The Ohio State football team began a stretch of games that will define the 2026 season with a hard-fought win over defending national champion Indiana. But that game came with a cost, as starting quarterback Julian Sayin left with an injury that will leave the Buckeyes shorthanded for the remainder of the year. Now all eyes turn to the backups. It's always next man up at a place like Ohio State, but being thrust into a spotlight this big takes a special type of player. Will Ryan Day and Arthur Smith have Luke Fahey and Tavien St. Clair ready to start in just two short weeks? It's almost time to find out.

The Buckeyes' opponent this week has been shaky at best this season, but still holds a 4-2 record. The USC defense has been a typical Lincoln Riley defense, giving up big plays and lots of points. But the Trojans do have a more than capable pass rush, which has been an Achilles ' heel for OSU. Throw in a new starting quarterback and the potential for rain on Saturday evening in Los Angeles, and it could level the playing field. The good news is that Ohio State should be at full strength on the offensive line when they take the field at the Coliseum.

This is a must-win for USC. A loss, and the Trojans are most likely eliminated from playoff contention. Desperate teams are always dangerous teams. Here's how you can see all the action, including the TV channel, time, and streaming information.

What channel is Ohio State vs. USC on today?

Ohio State vs. USC game time today

The Ohio State Buckeyes vs. the USC Trojans game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET from United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.

Ohio State vs. USC predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Oct. 30

Which team has another gear?

Can USC’s run defense ball out, and can Jayden Maiava play like the best quarterback on the field? Or will the Ohio State defense step up and keep the big pass plays to a minimum?

Yes, Indiana came within a few inches from beating Ohio State, but Josh Hoover only hit 50% of his passes, and only Arch Manning has been able to complete more than 56% against the Buckeyes. Maiava will have a nice day, but the Trojans will stall a bit too often.

It won’t be pretty, but the Buckeyes will take advantage of a few good field position chances to survive and advance in a relatively low-scoring game.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Where to watch Ohio State vs. USC today: Time, TV, streaming

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