🔥 USC’s Non‑Conference Schedule Is Loaded — And That’s the Point
I always wonder what goes through a coach’s mind when they sit down to build a non‑conference schedule.
Do you load it with challenges early to test your team’s identity?
Do you schedule light and rack up wins like LSU tends to do?
Or do you try to balance résumé‑building with rest and recovery?
It’s something I’d love to ask Coach Geezy directly — because whatever her mindset was this time around; one thing’s for sure:
USC’s 2025–26 non‑conference schedule is not for the faint of heart.
While USC didn’t even crack On3’s Talia Goodman’s way-too-early Top 25, ESPN has them at 12 in their way too early Top 25 rankings. Their schedule includes four opponents ranked in the Top 15:
South Carolina (#2)
UConn (#3)
NC State (#10)
Notre Dame (#17)
This isn’t just bold scheduling — it’s intentional. Coach GZ is building a battle-tested squad before Big Ten play even tips off.
🏀 Four Contenders. Four Statement Opportunities.
Let’s break down the major matchups and who USC will be facing.
🔴 Nov 9 – NC State (#10 ESPN) | Ally Tipoff (Charlotte, NC)
Why it matters:
A true test right out the gate. NC State may have lost their two stars to the draft, but they return depth and scoring punch.
Key Returners:
Zoe Brooks – Crafty combo guard and rising leader
Zamareya Jones – Physical wing with scoring ability
Tilda Trigger, Lorena Awou – Experienced role players
Qadence Samuels - 6’0 Guard Transfer from UCONN
🔴 Nov 15 – South Carolina (#2 ESPN) | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Why it matters:
The gold standard. Dawn Staley’s squad is physical, deep, and full of talent. USC will need composure and defensive discipline to match their energy.
Key Players:
Joyce Edwards – Nation’s top freshman from last season
Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson, Maddy McDaniel, Raven Johnson – Steady, experienced returners
Madina Okot – Transfer center from Mississippi State
Agot McKeer – Freshman forward with length and upside
🔴 Nov 21 – Notre Dame (#14 ESPN) | South Bend, Indiana
Why it matters:
This is Hannah Hidalgo’s team now — and she’s one of the most electric guards in the country. Without Olivia Miles (who transferred to TCU), Hidalgo will have full command of the offense.
Key Player:
Hannah Hidalgo – ACC Player and Defensive Player of the Year; relentless defender and scorer
🔴 Dec 13 – UConn (#3 ESPN) | Galen Center, Los Angeles
Why it matters:
This is the big one. The defending champs are coming to Galen. UConn might’ve lost Paige Bueckers, but they’re still stacked.
Key Players:
Sarah Strong – National Freshman of the Year
Azzi Fudd – Elite scorer
KK Arnold, Ashlyn Shade – Versatile, quick guards
Ice Brady, Jana El-Alfy – Interior depth
Kayleigh Heckel – Former Trojan, now a Husky
đź”´ Who USC Brings to the Fight
This year’s team is experienced, deep, and hungry.
Key Transfers:
Kara Dunn – All-ACC guard from Georgia Tech
London Jones – Sharpshooting point guard from UCLA
Yakiya Milton – Strong post presence from Auburn
Dayana Mendes – Skilled forward from Washington State
Gerda Raulusaityte – International big with size and toughness
Key Returners:
Kennedy Smith – Versatile wing, poised for a breakout
Malia Samuels – Quick, smart, unselfish point guard
Vivian Iwuchukwu, Laura Williams, Rian Forestier, Brooklyn Shamblin – Frontcourt depth and shooting
Only Freshman:
Jazzy Davidson – Highly-touted recruit with poise, IQ, and all-around game
This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a reset with reinforcements.
Other non-conference opponents:
New Mexico State (Nov 4)
Portland (Nov 18)
Tennessee Tech (Nov 25)
Pepperdine (Nov 28)
Saint Mary’s (Dec 2)
Cal Poly (Dec 18)
Cal (Dec 21) – neutral-site in San Francisco
đź’ˇ Why It All Matters
Coach Geezy didn’t schedule for comfort — she scheduled for growth.
This non-conference slate will demand chemistry, toughness, and a sense of urgency from Day 1. But that’s exactly what this team needs.
This isn’t about stacking wins — it’s about proving you belong.
🎯 Final Word
Four Top‑15 opponents. No cushion. No excuses. No hiding.
If USC fights through this stretch and pulls off even one or two signature wins… how can anyone keep them out of the conversation?
