Nebraska vs. USC Picks and Predictions, Saturday, February 28th, 2026

The #12 Nebraska Cornhuskers (24-4, 13-4 Big Ten) and the USC Trojans (18-10, 7-10 Big Ten) tip off in a conference battle on Saturday afternoon in this Nebraska vs. USC prediction. This is their first and only meeting in the regular season. Nebraska is coming off a 74-61 home win over Maryland, but failed to cover as 16.5-point favorites. USC just fell on the road against their rival UCLA 81-62 as just 6.5-point dogs. Tip if set for 4:00 EST and can be found on the Big Ten Network. See below for our Nebraska vs. USC prediction, and make some money with our best NCAAB Betting Picks!

Nebraska is a Big Ten Powerhouse

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have not historically been known as a big basketball school, but this roster is reframing the way people should view the Cornhuskers. Nebraska was able to improve their roster through the portal with the help of NIL, and are now 2nd in the Big Ten, trailing only Michigan at the top. Nebraska is likely a lock for the NCAA Tournament, as they are currently a 3-seed in Bracketology. In their last game, they were led by Brendan Frager with 21 points off the bench in the win over Maryland.

Frager has not been in the starting lineup recently, but is third on the team in scoring at 12.1 PPG. He is a 6'7 freshman who can score inside and out, and is a spark off the bench when needed for the Cornhuskers. Their top scorer is Pryce Sandfort, the 6'7 junior is an elite outside shooter, as he already has 101 made threes on the season. For comparison, the next highest total on the team is 48. Sandfort is averaging 17.9 PPG to go with 4.8 RPG in his first season with Nebraska after transferring in-conference from Iowa. Rienk Mast is their big man, the 6'11 and 250 pound center out of the Netherlands is contributing 13.8 PPG and 6.1 RPG.

Nebraska is ranked 12th overall out of 365 Division I teams in the country according to KenPom. They are 53rd in offensive efficiency and 5th in defensive efficiency. They play a relatively slow game, ranking 208th in the nation in tempo.

Trojans are on the Bubble

The Big Ten is loaded this season, with Joe Lunardi currently projecting that nine teams will advance to the tournament from the league. The USC Trojans could be one of those teams, but they still have work to do, as they are listed in the "First Four Out" section of Bracketology, placing them just on the wrong side of the bubble. They this Nebraska game, followed by a game with Washington and a rematch with UCLA to improve their resume. In their recent loss to UCLA, the Trojans were led by Chad Baker-Mazara with 25 points in the losing effort.

Baker-Mazara was a high profile transfer, as he was part of that dominant Johni Broome led Auburn team last season. He scored 12.3 PPG last year with the Tigers, but has a much bigger role with USC as he is averaging 18.6 PPG and 4.4 RPG as a 6'7, 170-pound guard. He is also the top outside shooter with 59 made threes on the year. Rodney Rice was their top scorer, but is out for the year after season ending surgery. Ezra Ausar is a strong 6'9 forward adding 15.3 PPG and 6.4 RPG after transferring over from Utah. Alijah Arenas is a high profile recruit, he is back in the lineup and scoring 13.9 PPG as a 6'6 freshman.

USC is currently ranked 59th overall according to KenPom. They are 96th in offensive efficiency and 45th in defensive efficiency. They play much faster than Nebraska, ranking 31st in the country in pace of play.

Key Injuries for Nebraska vs. USC:

Nebraska

• Out: Conner Essegian (5.4 PPG over 7 games)

USC

• Out: Rodney Rice (20.3 PPG over 6 games)

Nebraska vs. USC Picks and Predictions

Spread pick for Nebraska vs. USC

•   USC to cover (5 units)

There are enough factors here to take the Trojans at home with the points. Motivations are different here. Nebraska is a lock for the NCAA Tournament, but likely cannot catch Michigan at the top of the league as they have a 3-game lead on the field. USC on the other hand knows that they are on the bubble, and this is the last ranked opponent on their schedule, meaning this is their last chance for a statement win. The Trojans are at home, and Alijah Arenas is finally getting his feet under him after missing the first half of the season. Nebraska is only 53rd in offensive efficiency, they are not likely to go on the road and put up a big number. Take the points with the Trojans.

Take USC to cover.

Over/Under Pick for Nebraska vs. USC

•   Under (4 units)

Nebraska is not excellent on offense, but they are on defense, as they have the 5th best defense in the nation analytically. They are going up against a USC offense that is only 96th in efficiency, meaning the Cornhuskers should be able to slow down their perimeter attack. USC is also better on the defensive end, meaning these two strong defense are likely to battle each other into an under. Nebraska is only 208th in pace of play, and USC will not be as willing to play fast against the stronger opponent.

Take the under.