Ohio State vs USC head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 9, Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The Breakdown
#1 Ohio State's 70 composite tops #14 USC's 61 — 4.7★ receivers against a 3.5★ secondary.
When Ohio State has the ball: Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr headline a 4.7★ receiver corps facing USC's 3.5★ secondary.
When USC has the ball: Terrell Anderson's 3.7★ receiver group barely trails Ohio State's 4.0★ secondary; Devin Sanchez sits at 5★.
Swing factor: Julian Sayin, 5★ with two years, against Jayden Maiava, 3★ but four seasons in — talent versus reps.
X-factor: Halloween Saturday in Los Angeles — Week 9, and a cross-country road trip for Ohio State.