Fresh off a 24–10 win over Wisconsin before the bye week, Michigan enters Week 7 at 4-1 overall and ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll. The Wolverines have bounced back since their Week 2 loss at Oklahoma, leaning on a resurgent ground game and a defense that continues to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. True freshman Bryce Underwood has shown steady growth, while running back Justice Haynes has become the engine of the offense with more than 650 yards and eight touchdowns.
USC, led by head
coach Lincoln Riley, also enters this matchup at 4-1 after suffering its first loss of the season to Illinois on a last-second field goal two weeks ago. The Trojans feature one of the most explosive offenses in the country, led by quarterback Jayden Maiava and star wide receiver Makai Lemon, who is coming off back-to-back 100-yard performances. But as has often been the case under Riley, USC’s defense remains a question mark, ranking near the bottom of the Big Ten in points and yards allowed per game.
Historically, Michigan and USC have met 11 times since 1948, with many of those being in the Rose Bowl. Michigan won last year’s meeting in Ann Arbor, 27–24, on a game-winning touchdown drive. This year, the stakes are even higher, as both programs fight for inclusion in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Game Info
Teams: No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (4–1) at USC Trojans (4–1)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Television: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
Spread: USC -2.5 | O/U: 58.5
Today’s question: Can Bryce Underwood stay composed in his biggest test yet?
Underwood has handled every challenge thrown his way so far, but Saturday night in The Coliseum will present a new challenge. The lights will be bright, the crowd will be loud, and USC’s defensive front — while inconsistent — has shown it can pressure the quarterback in waves. If he can limit mistakes and keep Michigan’s offense balanced, the Wolverines have the pieces to control the tempo and grind out another statement Big Ten win.
