USC Trojans vs Wisconsin Badgers Picks and Prediction for Sunday January 25 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/25/2026, 12:40 AM ET
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The USC Trojans head to Madison to take on the Wisconsin Badgers on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with tip-off scheduled for 4:00 PM ET at the Kohl Center. This Big Ten matchup will be televised exclusively on Peacock and features two evenly matched teams battling for conference positioning. Wisconsin enters the game as the home favorite with the moneyline set at Wisconsin -258 and USC coming back at +210. The total is posted at 159.5 points, with both the over and under priced at -110, while the spread lists Wisconsin -7.5 and USC +7.5. Before diving into the matchup, make sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert analysis and daily betting insights.

Trojan Grit on the Road

USC comes into this contest with a solid 14-5 overall record, though their road performances have been more inconsistent compared to their play at home. Over their last five games, the Trojans have recently lost to Northwestern, Purdue, and Michigan State, while picking up wins over Maryland and Minnesota, including an overtime victory in Minneapolis. That mix of results highlights both their upside and volatility away from Los Angeles.

From a statistical standpoint, USC averages 82.6 points per game while allowing 75.7 points per contest. They shoot 47% from the field and do a respectable job on the glass, pulling down 37.7 rebounds per game. Ball movement has been steady with 16.3 assists per game, and defensively they bring activity with 5.7 blocks and 6.5 steals per outing.

One area that stands out for USC is their ability to pressure opponents inside. Their shot-blocking presence allows them to challenge drives and disrupt scoring in the paint. When the Trojans are locked in defensively, they can force teams into tough mid-range shots and keep games competitive even when their perimeter shooting goes cold.

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Badgers Protecting Home Court

Wisconsin enters this matchup with an identical 14-5 overall record and has been especially strong at the Kohl Center. Over their last five games, the Badgers have been on a tear, recently winning over Penn State, Rutgers, Minnesota, Michigan, and UCLA. That five-game winning streak has featured both efficient offense and clutch execution late in games.

The Badgers are averaging 84.3 points per game while allowing 75.4 points, numbers that closely mirror USC’s defensive output but with slightly more offensive punch. Wisconsin shoots 46% from the field and grabs 37.1 rebounds per game, showing balance across the roster. They average 16.4 assists per game, indicating a team-first approach on offense.

Wisconsin’s biggest strength lies in their offensive rhythm and spacing. While they are not an elite shot-blocking team, their disciplined defense and ability to convert efficiently in transition has made them difficult to slow down, especially on their home floor where shooting percentages often tick upward.

USC Trojans vs Wisconsin Badgers Pick

USC Trojans vs Wisconsin Badgers Spread Pick

  • Pick: USC +7.5 (-110)

The spread feels a bit inflated given how closely these teams match up statistically. Wisconsin deserves respect as the home favorite, but USC has enough scoring balance and interior defense to hang around. I expect the Trojans to keep this game within single digits, even if Wisconsin controls much of the tempo.

USC Trojans vs Wisconsin Badgers Total Pick

  • Pick: Under 159.5 (-110)

I lean under on the total in this spot. While both teams average over 82 points per game, conference matchups at this stage of the season tend to slow down, especially when teams are familiar with each other’s tendencies. I see longer possessions, fewer transition opportunities, and defensive adjustments limiting easy buckets.

Final Score Prediction: Wisconsin 82, USC 76

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