In a commanding season opener, Los Angeles USC topped Los Angeles UCLA by a score of 35-18. The victory not only sets the tone for the Trojans' 2026 campaign but also establishes them as early contenders in the rivalry matchup. Brock Purdy led the charge for USC, throwing for an impressive 308 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to connect downfield. De'Zhaun Stribling emerged as his primary target, racking up 116 receiving yards and proving to be a consistent threat. Meanwhile, Kyren Williams managed to pace UCLA's ground game with 48 rushing yards, but the Trojans' offensive performance was simply too much to overcome. Defensively, USC made significant plays that turned the tide in their favor, particularly with Marques Sigle's two interceptions, which stifled UCLA's momentum. Fred Warner also made his presence felt with three total tackles, anchoring the defense throughout the game. The turning point came with Sigle's second interception in the red zone, preventing UCLA from closing the gap and allowing USC to maintain control and ultimately secure the win.