Three Big Ten Road Games on USC Trojans’ Schedule That Could Define the Season

Following a 2025-26 season in which the USC men’s basketball team finished with an 18-14 overall record and went 7-13 in conference play, the Trojans, in their third season under coach Eric Musselman, are looking to get back on track and make an expanded 76-team NCAA Tournament.

The Trojans have a talented roster with the return of star guards Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas, a talented 2026 recruiting class, and notable transfer portal additions. While the expectations are high for the Trojans, they must prove it on the court, and several key Big Ten road matchups will determine their fate next season.

Nov 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Rodney Rice (1) dribbles the ball during the first half of the Hall of Fame Series game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Last season, the Trojans finished with a 4-6 record on the road in Big Ten play. To make the tournament for the first time since the 2022-23 season, winning on the road, especially in conference play, is the key for Musselman’s Trojans. Here is a breakdown of the three notable Big Ten road matchups on the Trojans’ schedule that will determine their fate next season.

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Illinois Fighting Illini

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Trojans are set for what is expected to be a loaded Big Ten road slate and one of those opponents that will present a massive test for the Trojans case as one of the conference’s top teams is the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Last season at the Galen Center, the Trojans were dominated by coach Brad Underwood’s Fighting Illini, winning 101-65. It was a crushing loss that marked the beginning of the end of…

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Publish date : 2026-06-14 01:00:00

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