Finding the USC game used to be simple. You’d flip to a local channel or maybe a specific cable sports network, and there they were. But since the Trojans made that massive leap to the Big Ten, things have changed. If you’re sitting there with the remote in your hand right now wondering what channel is USC on, you aren't alone. Between the new conference TV deals and the rise of "streaming-only" exclusives, you basically need a map to find the Trojans these days.
The Big Ten Shift: Where to Look First
So, the landscape is different. USC isn't playing for the Pac-12 anymore, which means those late-night games on a regional network are mostly a thing of the past. Instead, USC is now part of the Big Ten’s massive media rights deal. This is a multi-billion dollar arrangement that splits games between FOX, CBS, and NBC.
If it’s a high-stakes matchup—think Michigan, Ohio State, or the rivalry game against UCLA—there’s a huge chance it’s on one of those three big broadcast networks.
Honestly, the "Big Ten Network" (BTN) is still your best friend for a lot of the mid-tier matchups. If you have a standard cable or satellite package, BTN is usually tucked away in the 600s or 700s, depending on your provider. But here’s the kicker: some games are now skipping traditional TV entirely.
Is the Game Only on Peacock?
This is where people get really frustrated. NBC has started putting a handful of Big Ten games exclusively on Peacock. This means even if you have every cable channel under the sun, you won’t find the game on your TV guide.
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For example, looking at the 2026 schedule, certain basketball matchups—like the USC vs. Purdue game on January 17—are strictly on Peacock. You can’t just "flip" to it. You have to open the app, log in, and stream it. It's a bit of a hassle if you just wanted to sit down and watch, but it seems to be the direction things are moving.
Quick Cheat Sheet for Typical USC Channels:
- Big Games (Football): Look at FOX, CBS, or NBC.
- Weekly Rotation: Big Ten Network (BTN) or FS1.
- The Streaming Catch: Peacock or B1G+ (for smaller sports).
- Rare Occasions: Occasionally, a non-conference road game might pop up on ESPN or ABC, but that’s much rarer now.
How to Stream USC Without Cable
If you've cut the cord, you've actually got it a bit easier in some ways because everything is in one place. You just need a service that carries the local networks and the Big Ten Network.
YouTube TV is probably the most popular choice for Trojan fans right now. It has the locals (NBC, CBS, FOX) and BTN. FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV are also solid options. If you’re trying to go the cheap route, Sling TV can work, but you usually have to add a specific sports package to get the Big Ten Network, and you might miss out on local CBS or NBC stations depending on where you live.
Don’t Forget About Basketball and "Olympic" Sports
If you’re looking for USC basketball, the rules are mostly the same, but the frequency of games on the Big Ten Network goes way up. Eric Musselman has the hoops team playing a fast, high-energy style that the TV networks love, so they're often in that "Big Ten After Dark" slot.
For sports like women's soccer, volleyball, or baseball, you’ll often find them on B1G+. This is the conference’s own subscription service. It’s separate from the main Big Ten Network you get on cable. If you’re a die-hard who wants to see every single USC event, this is usually the only way to catch the non-televised games.
What to Do If You Can't Find the Channel
Sometimes the guide is just wrong, or the game is delayed because the previous one went into triple overtime. If you’re staring at a blank screen:
- Check the USC Gameday App: This is surprisingly helpful. It usually lists the exact broadcast partner about 48 hours before kickoff or tip-off.
- Social Media: Check the official @USC_Athletics X (formerly Twitter) account. They’ll post the "How to Watch" graphic right before the game starts.
- Radio Backup: If all else fails and you're stuck in the car, ESPN LA 710 AM is the home for the Trojans in Los Angeles. You can also stream the audio through the USC app for free.
Actionable Steps for the Next Game
To make sure you never miss a kickoff while scrolling through 500 channels of nothing, do this:
- Download the Peacock App now. Even if you don't subscribe yet, have it ready. A few games a year will be exclusive there.
- Sync your calendar. Most fans use apps like the "Sports Alerts" app or the official USC site to sync the schedule to their phone. These calendars usually update with the specific channel once the "TV window" is announced (usually 6 to 12 days before the game).
- Check your "Regional" settings. If you are traveling outside of Southern California, your local FOX or CBS might be showing a different game. In those cases, having a login for the Fox Sports App or Paramount+ is a lifesaver, as you can usually watch the USC broadcast there regardless of what's on the local TV in your hotel.
The move to the Big Ten means more national exposure and better kickoff times for the East Coast, but it definitely made the "what channel is the game on" question a lot more complicated for the folks back home in LA. Keep this guide handy, and you'll at least know which app to open.