USC vs Rutgers head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 3, Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The Breakdown
#14 USC edges Rutgers 61-57 on composite, driven by a 3.7★ receiver corps Rutgers can't match.
When USC has the ball: 3.7★ receivers, led by 4★ Terrell Anderson, attack a 2.8★ Rutgers secondary. Clearest mismatch on the field.
When Rutgers has the ball: A 2.6★ O-line, 3.8 years experienced, blocks USC's 3.5★ D-line with 4★ Braylan Shelby and Kameryn Crawford.
Swing factor: QB duel: both 3★, but Jayden Maiava's four years dwarf AJ Surace's two. Experience decides it.
X-factor: USC crosses the country for a September Saturday in Piscataway — Rutgers' crowd gets a ranked visitor.