USC upsets No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 behind Mosley's 69-yard catch

Southern California defeated No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 on Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The victory marks the largest margin of win in head coach Lincoln Riley’s tenure at the university.

Freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley initiated the scoring with a 69-yard touchdown catch on the second play from scrimmage. This long gain shattered Ohio State’s season-long defense, which had previously allowed no play longer than 36 yards.

The Trojans built a 20-9 lead by halftime. This total represented the most points the Buckeyes’ defense had allowed in a single game this season. Ohio State’s offense managed only three field goals during its first five drives, including a possession that ended with a kick from near the goal line before halftime.

USC freshman tight end Mark Bowman broke open the second half with a 70-yard reception. He hurdled a defender and broke multiple tackles to set up the play that extended the Trojan lead to 27-9. King Miller then rushed for a nine-yard touchdown to seal the scoring drive.

Ohio State quarterback Luke Fahey made his first career start after Julian Sayin injured his arm two weeks prior. Fahey, a freshman from Orange County, completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards. Despite the volume, the Buckeyes’ defense allowed USC to score 30 points, a total higher than any other team had managed against them since 2024.

The game concluded with Ohio State trailing 27-9. Jeremiah Smith caught a one-yard touchdown pass with 2:12 remaining. The Buckeyes failed their two-point conversion attempt. USC recovered the onside kick and added a third field goal with 1:46 left on the clock.

The win ends a dry spell for the Trojans, who have not beaten a top-five opponent at the Coliseum since 2015. Fans rushed the field after the final whistle. The team enters a bye week before traveling to Indiana on Nov. 14.

Ohio State remains 6-2 on the season and 4-1 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes host Oregon on Saturday. They have not lost two games this early in a season since 2011.