The USC Trojans are hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes in a high-profile Big 10 matchup. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles, California.
Ohio State is a 6.5-point favorite against USC on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Trojans are +200 to pull off the upset.
USC vs. Ohio State Player Prop Best Bets
Ja’Kobi Jackson Anytime TD (-105)
Ja’Kobi Jackson is a reliable short-yardage back for Ohio State. This will be Ohio State’s first game since Julian Sayin went down with an injury. Luke Fahey will be getting his first career start, and Ryan Day will want to make things easy on him, especially on the road. The best way to make Fahey’s life easier is by running the football early and often. Bo Jackson is Ohio State’s lead back, but Jackson is often the man who gets the touches down by the goal line.
This same thing happened with Bo Jackson last season. He was Ohio State’s lead back in 2025 and rushed for over 1,000 yards. However, CJ Donaldson led the Buckeyes with 10 rushing touchdowns last season. Similarly, Bo Jackson leads the team in rushing this season and has nearly twice as many carries as Ja’Kobi Jackson. However, Ja’Kobi Jackson leads the team with six rushing touchdowns. USC ranks 111th in the country in defensive EPA/rush. Ohio State should be able to move the ball on the ground, and Ja’Kobi Jackson should cash in with a score at the end of one of those drives.
Mark Bowman 4+ Receptions (-107)
Mark Bowman is expected to return for USC this week. The true freshman tight end is going to be playing on Sundays one day. At 18 years old, he is already 6’4, 245 pounds. He hit the ground running at the college level, contributing for USC right off the bat. However, he sustained an injury that has caused him to miss three games in a row. There is strong speculation that Bowman is ready to return for this massive game against Ohio State, however. This is a huge game for Lincoln Riley and USC. They are getting Ohio State without Julian Sayin at home and have a real chance to salvage their season with a win.
Ohio State has struggled to get a pass rush all season. Jayden Maiava is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He is always better at home, and thrives in a clean pocket. If Ohio State fails to get pressure on Maiava, he should have a lot of success through the air. Maiava would be happy to have his freshman star tight end back for this game. Bowman had six catches in each of his past two home games before getting injured. He should return to that form against Ohio State and make at least four grabs.
