There is a high-level Big Ten game expected Friday night in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the USC Trojans visit the Michigan Wolverines. This matchup features two teams ranked in the most recent Associated Press Top 25 poll.
USC enters the game with a 12-1 overall record and a 1-1 mark in Big Ten play. The Trojans’ lone loss this season came at home against Washington. Since that defeat, USC has won four straight games, including a 102-point performance at home against Santa Cruz.
The Trojans are led offensively by Chad Baker-Mazara, who is averaging 21.0 points per game while playing 33 minutes per night. This contest begins a challenging three-game road stretch for USC, making it an important early test in conference play. After Michigan, the Trojans will travel to Michigan State and Minnesota.
For Michigan, head coach Dusty May has his team off to a red-hot start. The Wolverines are 12-0 overall and one of six unbeaten teams remaining in college basketball. They are also one of five Big Ten teams that have opened conference play 2-0.
Michigan scored 112 points in its most recent win over McNeese. That marked the seventh time this season, and the sixth time in their last seven games, that the Wolverines topped 100 points. Yaxel Lendeborg leads Michigan in scoring at nearly 16 points per game. As a team, the Wolverines rank third nationally in scoring at 96.8 points per game and second in assists at 21.6 per contest.
USC vs. Michigan: When and Where
Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm CT
Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
USC vs. Michigan: Where to Watch or Stream
TV: Peacock
Streaming: FuboTV
USC vs. Michigan Betting Odds
Spread: Michigan -21.5, USC +21.5
Moneyline: Michigan -5000, USC +2500
Total: 167.5
USC vs. Michigan Series History
All-Time Series: Michigan leads the all-time series, 1-0.
Last Meeting: Michigan 85-74 over USC on January 4, 2025.
Projected Starting Lineups
USC Trojans
#4 Chad Baker-Mazara, 21.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg
#2 Ezra Ausar, 17.1 ppg
#6 Jacob Cofie, 10.6 ppg
#45 Gabe Dynes, 3.3 ppg
#9 Ryan Cornish, 3.8 ppg
- Rodney Rice started six games before injuring his shoulder and is likely out for the season. He was averaging 20.3 points per game.
Michigan Wolverines
#23 Yaxel Lendeborg, 15.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg
#21 Morez Johnson Jr., 13.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg
#15 Aday Mara, 10.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg
#3 Elliott Cadeau, 9.8 ppg
#4 Nimari Burnett, 8.7 ppg
Game Outlook
This should be a great basketball game. The key question is whether USC is ready for the high-level offense Michigan brings every night. Head coach Eric Musselman knows getting off to a strong start on this demanding road trip is critical.
For Michigan, continuing to play its style of basketball should lead to more success. This is one of the most talented teams in college basketball, and the fans in Ann Arbor are in for a treat on the second day of 2026.