Week 4 of the college football season sees the Oregon Ducks preparing for their toughest defensive challenge yet: stopping the USC Trojans’ offense. The Trojans blend a pro-style running game with a spread passing attack, a combination that has produced one of the top offenses in college football so far this year.
USC’s offense is led by head coach Lincoln Riley, who has developed a more complex scheme than during his earlier tenure at Oklahoma. The Trojans use a variety of formations, mixing under-center snaps with four-wide receiver sets to stretch defenses and open running lanes. Their quarterback, Jayden Maiava, has emerged as one of the most precise passers in the sport through four games in 2026. Maiava has thrown 12 touchdowns against just one interception, averaging 10.2 yards per attempt. His ability to complete throws both on schedule and off-script will test Oregon’s defense’s discipline.
Maiava, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound passer, was the starting quarterback for USC by the end of last season and has steadily improved since. Oregon will remember his performance last year when he threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns in a game they ultimately won, despite two interceptions. This season, he has maintained his accuracy and composure, making him a formidable threat.
The Trojans’ running game features King Miller, who was a breakout freshman last season. Miller finished 2025 with 972 yards and eight touchdowns and has picked up where he left off with 338 yards and three touchdowns on 64 carries so far this year. At 6-foot and 225 pounds, Miller combines power and agility, capable of running through and past defenders. His presence adds a physical dimension to USC’s offense that Oregon’s defense will have to contain.
USC’s receiving corps has been affected by injury, with freshman standout Trent Mosley sidelined for multiple games. In his absence, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt has taken on a larger role. Dixon-Wyatt, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound freshman from Hayward, California, leads USC with 18 receptions, 258 yards, and two touchdowns through four games. Known for his ability to make contested catches and his fearlessness running routes across the middle, he has become Maiava’s favorite target.
On the other side, the Oregon Ducks’ defense has struggled early in the season. Defensive coordinator Chris Hampton has faced questions about his ability to replace former coordinator Tosh Lupoi. The unit has not lived up to expectations through three games, allowing Boise State and Oklahoma State to move the ball effectively with different offensive styles. Boise State’s pro-style running and play-action caused issues, and Oklahoma State’s air raid offense sliced through the secondary and dominated at the line of scrimmage.
Roster-wise, Oregon has the talent to slow USC’s offense, especially with the Trojans missing Mosley. The Ducks’ secondary is stocked with talent and should be able to contain USC’s receiving options. However, the Ducks’ run defense has shown vulnerabilities, which USC’s combination of power running and play-action passing could exploit.
Saturday’s matchup in Los Angeles is likely to be a close contest between two talented teams. USC’s offense has been among the nation’s best over the past two seasons, and while the Trojans may not be unstoppable this time, they could still score over 30 points. Oregon’s defense will need to find the form it has lacked this season to counter the Trojans’ balanced attack.
The game promises to be a heavyweight fight, with both teams trading blows on offense and defense. USC will make some impressive plays, but the Ducks will respond if they can recapture their defensive intensity from previous years. The outcome hinges on whether Oregon’s defense can rise to the occasion or if USC’s offense will continue its dominant form in 2026.
According to Yahoo Sports.