USC rallies to defeat Washington 25-21 behind Stewart's defensive touchdown
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 4:25 AM
Last updated Oct 4, 2026
No. 18 USC edged Washington 25-21 in a Saturday night matchup in Los Angeles. Jahkeem Stewart scored a pivotal 48-yard fumble return touchdown as USC overcame a 21-10 deficit in the second half. Jayden Maiava threw for 245 yards, including a key touchdown to Tanook Hines. Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. led a late drive but was thwarted in the end zone as time expired. The victory marked USC's first win against Washington since 2016, easing some pressure on head coach Lincoln Riley. USC will face Penn State next, while Washington will host Iowa on Friday night.
- •Jahkeem Stewart returned a fumble 48 yards for a touchdown.
- •USC overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half.
- •Jayden Maiava passed for 245 yards and threw one touchdown.
- •USC improved to 5-1, while Washington dropped to 3-2.
- •USC's next game is against Penn State on October 10.
- 4:56 AMESPN NCAAF — USC storms back vs. Washington, earns Riley much-needed win
- 3:58 AMYahoo Sports — No. 18 USC rallies past Washington 25-21 with Stewart’s fumble return TD, more big defensive plays
- 3:21 AMYahoo Sports — No. 18 USC rallies past Washington 25-21 with Stewart's fumble return TD, more big defensive plays
"LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jahkeem Stewart returned a fumble 48 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, and No. 18 Southern California overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half for a 25-21 victory over Washington on Saturday night.
"That USC defense turned the game around late in the third quarter when Stewart — the 295-pound defensive tackle nicknamed Thanos — picked up Williams’ fumble in a collapsing pocket and rumbled downfield for his first score.
"Jahkeem Stewart returned a fumble 48 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, and No. 18 Southern California overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half for a 25-21 victory over Washington on Saturday night.
Sources
External links- ESPN NCAAFOct 4, 2026, 4:56 AMUSC storms back vs. Washington, earns Riley much-needed win
Jahkeem Stewart returned a fumble 48 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, and No. 18 Southern California overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half for a 25-21 victory over Washington on Saturday night.
- Yahoo SportsOct 4, 2026, 3:58 AMNo. 18 USC rallies past Washington 25-21 with Stewart’s fumble return TD, more big defensive plays
That USC defense turned the game around late in the third quarter when Stewart — the 295-pound defensive tackle nicknamed Thanos — picked up Williams’ fumble in a collapsing pocket and rumbled downfield for his first score.
- Yahoo SportsOct 4, 2026, 3:21 AMNo. 18 USC rallies past Washington 25-21 with Stewart's fumble return TD, more big defensive plays
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jahkeem Stewart returned a fumble 48 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, and No. 18 Southern California overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half for a 25-21 victory over Washington on Saturday night.
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