It’s one of those matchups that looks weird on a calendar if you don't follow the nitty-gritty of college athletics. When you see Mississippi State vs USC, your brain probably jumps to two completely different universes. One is the grit of the SEC in Starkville, and the other is the flash of Los Angeles.
But lately? This has become a legitimate flashpoint in women's basketball, and honestly, a weirdly rare curiosity in football.
If you’re looking for the score from the most recent heart-stopper, you’re likely thinking about the March 2025 NCAA Tournament showdown. That game changed the vibe of the series. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. The Trojans, led by a relentless Kiki Iriafen, absolutely dismantled the Bulldogs 96-59.
The Blowout That No One Expected
Everyone knew USC was good. They were the 1-seed. But Mississippi State is usually the team that makes you bleed for every point. That day in March 2025? The Bulldogs just couldn't find the basket. They turned the ball over 20 times.
Twenty.
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You can’t win in the second round of the Big Dance giving away that many possessions. Especially not when Iriafen is dropping 36 points like she's playing a casual game of horse in her driveway. Jerkaila Jordan tried to keep State in it with 17 points, but the gap was just too wide. It felt like every time State hit a layup, USC answered with two three-pointers and a defensive stop.
Is There a Football Rivalry Brewing?
Short answer: Not really, but 2026 is about to change that for one specific "USC."
There is a huge point of confusion here. Most people searching for Mississippi State vs USC in a football context are actually looking for the South Carolina Gamecocks, not the Southern Cal Trojans.
In the realigned SEC world, South Carolina and Mississippi State are finally getting back on the field together. Mark your calendars for September 19, 2026. The Bulldogs are heading to Columbia.
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History favors the Gamecocks here. They’ve won eight of the last nine meetings. The last time they played was 2023, a 37-30 shootout that had fans on both sides losing their minds.
A Quick History Lesson
- 1990 Sun Bowl: This was the peak. Mississippi State edged out Southern Cal (the real Trojans this time) 17-16.
- 2023 SEC Clash: South Carolina took down State in a high-scoring affair that proved the Bulldogs' defense had some holes to plug.
- 2025 NCAA Tournament: As mentioned, the 96-59 USC victory that ended State’s season.
Why the SEC Expansion Matters
With the "other" USC (Southern California) moving to the Big Ten and the SEC expanding its own borders, these cross-country matchups are becoming more common in non-conference play, even if the conference games are what pay the bills.
Mississippi State fans are kinda used to being the underdog. It’s part of the brand. But the 2026 football game against South Carolina is being circled as a "must-win" for Jeff Lebby’s squad. You can’t keep losing to the other "USC" if you want to climb the ladder in the toughest conference in sports.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That these teams play all the time.
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Because they share "USC" as an acronym (for South Carolina) and are often in the same tournament brackets (for Southern Cal), people think there’s this deep-seated rivalry. There isn't. It’s a series defined by long gaps and sudden, high-stakes explosions.
Honestly, the "rivalry" is more about identity. It’s the cowbells vs. the Cocky walk or the Hollywood lights.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're tracking this matchup for the upcoming 2026 season or looking back at the stats, here is what you need to do:
- Double-check the USC: Always verify if the schedule says "Southern California" or "South Carolina." In 2026, the big game is against the Gamecocks on Sept 19.
- Watch the Portal: For the basketball side, keep an eye on how Mississippi State recruits to counter size. The 2025 loss showed they were physically outmatched.
- Secure Tickets Early: If you're planning to visit Williams-Brice Stadium in September 2026, buy early. SEC tickets are becoming a nightmare to find at face value.
- Follow the Stats: Use sites like Winsipedia for the football deep dives and the official NCAA hub for the basketball box scores to avoid the "AI-generated" junk floating around some sports blogs.
The dynamic between these schools is shifting. Whether it’s on the hardwood or the gridiron, the gap is closing, and the 2026 season is going to be the ultimate litmus test for Mississippi State’s ability to compete with the "USC" brands.