On September 20, 2025, the No. 25 USC Trojans and Michigan State Spartans put on quite the show. The Trojans came away with a 45-31 win, but the game was far from a blowout. From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, there were big plays, standout performances, and plenty of back-and-forth moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. USC's explosive offense and timely defensive plays made the difference, but both teams left it all on the field in what turned out to be a hard-fought and entertaining battle.

USC Trojans Dominate Behind Jayden Maiava's Stellar Play

Leading the charge for the USC Trojans was quarterback Jayden Maiava, who delivered a commanding performance. Maiava accounted for five total touchdowns and amassed 265 yards, playing a pivotal role in USC's 517 total offensive yards. His ability to command the offense both through the air and on the ground kept the Spartans' defense off balance all night.

Key USC Offensive Performers:

• Jayden Maiava (QB): 265 total yards, 5 touchdowns
• Waymond Jordan (RB): 18 carries, 77 yards, 1 touchdown
• Eli Sanders (RB): 10 carries, 75 yards
• Makai Lemon (WR): Team-high 5 receptions; Lemon has now totaled 764 receiving yards on the season
• Ja'Kobi Lane (WR): 3 receptions, 115 yards before exiting the game due to injury

Despite losing wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane to injury mid-game, USC's receiving corps didn't miss a beat. Makai Lemon continued his breakout season, showcasing reliable hands and sharp route running to keep drives alive.

Special Teams Impact:

Kicker Ryon Sayeri was nearly perfect, converting 4-of-5 field goal attempts, including impressive makes from 48, 37, 24, and 19 yards, providing crucial points to keep USC in control.

Michigan State Spartans Fight Hard with Balanced Attack

Though the Spartans fell short, they had several bright spots. Quarterback Aidan Chiles turned in a dual-threat performance, completing 22 of 29 passes for 270 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while also rushing for 76 yards. His poise and athleticism gave Michigan State a fighting chance throughout the game.

Top Michigan State Performers:

• Aidan Chiles (QB): 270 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 76 rushing yards
• Nick Marsh (WR): 6 receptions, 94 yards
• Jack Velling (TE): 6 receptions, 70 yards

On the defensive side, the Spartans made plays, totaling six tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception. Despite those efforts, they struggled to contain USC's versatile offensive attack.

Defensive Dominance from the Trojans

USC's defense made its presence felt with a commanding performance, particularly up front. The Trojans racked up 10 tackles for loss and five sacks, constantly pressuring Chiles and disrupting Michigan State's rhythm.

Game Summary

USC's offense, led by a confident Jayden Maiava, was firing on all cylinders — and it proved to be just too much for Michigan State to keep up with.Even after losing their star receiver Ja'Kobi Lane to injury, the Trojans kept rolling without missing a beat. Other players stepped up big time to keep the offense humming and the momentum on their side. Michigan State had some bright spots too—Aidan Chiles and the receivers made some solid plays—but as the game went on, USC’s depth and balanced attack really took control. The Spartans showed plenty of fight, but they couldn't quite match the pace in the second half as USC pulled away for the win.

Final Score: USC 45, Michigan State 31

This win solidifies USC's top-25 ranking as they continue to build momentum midseason. Meanwhile, Michigan State will look to rebound and build on the positive aspects of its performance in upcoming games.