# USC Stuns No. 2 Ohio State 30–18

Jayden Maiava threw for 222 yards and a touchdown as the Trojans held the Buckeyes without a touchdown until the final minutes.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-11-01T04:06:11.720Z
Updated: 2026-11-01T04:06:11.720Z
Section: Sports
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/usc-stuns-no-2-ohio-state-30-18

LOS ANGELES — USC upset No. 2 Ohio State 30–18 on Saturday night, handing the Buckeyes their second loss and giving the Trojans their biggest victory of the Lincoln Riley era.

The Trojans struck on their second offensive snap when Jayden Maiava found Trent Mosley for a 69-yard touchdown. USC later built a 20–9 halftime lead behind a 9-yard Waymond Jordan touchdown run and two field goals.

Ohio State moved the ball into USC territory repeatedly in the first half but had to settle for field goals. The Buckeyes also reached the USC 1-yard line late in the second quarter before the Trojans kept them out of the end zone.

USC extended its advantage in the third quarter after Mark Bowman broke a 70-yard reception. King Miller finished the drive with a rushing touchdown, putting the Trojans ahead 27–12.

Ohio State did not reach the end zone until Jeremiah Smith caught a 1-yard touchdown pass with 2:12 remaining. The Buckeyes failed on the two-point try, and USC recovered the ensuing onside kick before adding a final field goal.

Maiava completed the night with 222 passing yards and a touchdown. Mosley caught five passes for 101 yards, including the long opening score. Miller and Jordan supplied the Trojans’ rushing touchdowns.

The result moved USC to 7–2 overall and 4–2 in Big Ten play. Ohio State fell to 6–2 and 4–1 in the conference.

Students poured onto the field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum after the final whistle. USC is off next week before facing Indiana on Nov. 14. Ohio State returns home to play Oregon.

Sources:
- USC Athletics game center and postgame materials, Oct. 31, 2026
- Ohio State Athletics game center, Oct. 31, 2026
- Associated Press game recap carried by CBS Sports, Oct. 31, 2026

## Sources
- USC Athletics game center: https://usctrojans.com/game-center/35255
- Ohio State Athletics game center: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/game-center/22221
- Associated Press recap via CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20261031_OHIOST%40USC/