The 2025 College Football Rivalry Week: USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins Showdown
The 2025 college football regular season is reaching a thrilling climax, with the weekend after Thanksgiving marking the much-anticipated Rivalry Week. This annual tradition is celebrated across the nation, but few matchups evoke as much passion as the fierce battle between the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins. Broadcasting live on NBC and Peacock, this clash promises to highlight the intensity and drama that come with rivalry football.
The USC Trojans: Aiming for Glory
The Trojans enter this game with an impressive 8-3 record, placing them within the Top 15 of the national rankings. Quarterback Jayden Maivia is the prime mover behind the team’s notable success, showcasing his skill as the Big Ten’s leading passer. Complementing him is wide receiver Makai Lemon, who has dominated the receiving game, leading the conference in yards. The Trojans’ offense is a powerhouse, boasting the best passing attack in the Big Ten, a conference home to formidable teams like Ohio State and Indiana.
What makes this matchup particularly significant for USC is their positional strategy as they eye a potential at-large bid for the College Football Playoff. While they can’t secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship game, hope remains alive for a major bowl appearance if everything aligns correctly. Hence, a victory against their cross-town rivals would be pivotal, solidifying their place in the postseason discussions.
UCLA Bruins: The Spoilers
On the other side of the field, the UCLA Bruins are having a challenging season, sitting with only three wins. However, they enter this game without the pressure of postseason implications. Instead, motivation fuels their fire—the chance to upset their rival and claim bragging rights in Los Angeles. Earlier this season, the Bruins stunned Penn State in a game that had ramifications as severe as cost job losses, including a notable ousting of their head coach. This capability to play the role of spoiler makes UCLA a formidable opponent, especially when backed by nothing to lose.
In the spirit of rivalry, the Bruins have every reason to swing hard and make a statement. Their gameplay will likely reflect their aggressive desire to upend USC’s postseason ambitions while simultaneously boosting their own morale as they wrap up the season.
Game-Day Details: What to Expect
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET—an epic showdown is set to unfold at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Trojans’ historic home turf. This highly-anticipated contest kicks off a weekend filled with Big Ten rivalry matchups, following the exciting bout between No. 2 Indiana and Purdue taking place a day earlier.
The Intensity of Rivalry Week
Rivalry Week in college football is inherently unpredictable. While the statistics and trends may favor the Trojans heavily, history tells us that anything can occur during these contests. Traditional rivalries often defy the odds, resulting in massive upsets or dramatic finishes that become the stuff of legends. This unpredictability adds a layer of excitement to the game, compelling fans and analysts alike to anticipate the unforeseen.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, fans on both sides are likely to experience a blend of hope, anxiety, and adrenaline. For USC, a chance to solidify a postseason bid; for UCLA, an opportunity to play underdog and assert dominance. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere electric.
Stay tuned as this storied rivalry unfolds; it promises to be a game worth watching, packed with unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and the essence of college football.