Michigan vs. USC Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 11, 2025

By: Jake Allman Updated 10/10/2025, 10:46 PM ET

Michigan heads west to face USC under the lights at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in a Big Ten showdown with major conference implications. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET on NBC, and both teams enter with one loss and hopes of a College Football Playoff push. Michigan is 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten after a steady 24-10 win over Wisconsin, while USC stands 4-1 and 2-1 in conference play after a narrow 34-32 loss at Illinois that snapped an early-season roll. The Trojans are favored by ESPN’s matchup predictor, giving them a 68.5% chance to win at home. Looking for today’s college football picks? Don’t miss our expert breakdowns.

Michigan Preview

Bryce Underwood has been effective for Michigan, completing 77 of 130 passes for 1,003 yards with three touchdowns and only one interception. The Wolverines have relied on balance, powered by Justice Haynes in the backfield with 654 rushing yards and eight scores on 85 carries. Haynes’s production between the tackles has anchored Michigan’s red-zone push, and his ability to convert short-yardage chances has steadied the offense through uneven stretches in the passing game. Wideout Donaven McCulley adds a physical presence on the perimeter with 309 receiving yards on 19 catches.

USC Preview

USC’s offense has been far more explosive behind quarterback Jayden Maiava, who’s thrown for 1,587 yards with 11 touchdowns and just one interception through five games. The Trojans’ attack has flourished under his command, particularly through the air, where Makai Lemon has been the difference-maker with 589 yards and five scores on 35 receptions. Running back Waymond Jordan complements the aerial game with 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns, forcing defenses to guess between run and pass. Linebacker Eric Gentry leads the team with 35 tackles, while Braylan Shelby’s 3.5 sacks have added needed pressure to a defense still settling into form against stronger competition.

USC vs Michigan Prediction

Michigan’s physical front could give USC problems in the trenches, but the Trojans’ tempo and passing will test the Wolverines’ secondary. USC has posted over 30 points in four of five games, and with home-field advantage and quarterback talent, the Trojans’ offensive ability appears higher. Michigan’s ground control can shorten possessions, yet if the Wolverines fall behind early, the matchup leans toward USC’s big-play potential.

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Prediction: USC 31, Michigan 24