Game 6: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | Michigan at USC | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | 7:30 PM ET
After a thrilling Homecoming victory over Wisconsin, Michigan hits the road to face USC under the bright lights of Los Angeles. The Wolverines are 4–1 and riding momentum from last weekend’s win at the Big House, where a2Tech360 wrapped up an incredible week of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community celebration across the Ann Arbor region. With the energy from Tech Trek, Tech Talk, and Homecoming weekend still buzzing, Michigan looks to carry that same drive west to take on the Trojans.
Did You Know?
Ann Arbor & Los Angeles Connections
- Los Angeles may be famous for Silicon Beach, but Ann Arbor has built its own reputation as the “Silicon Valley of the Midwest.” Both regions are hotbeds for startups, tech talent, and university-driven innovation. Ann Arbor’s thriving ecosystem, fueled by companies like Duo Security, May Mobility, and KLA, mirrors the energy of LA’s tech corridor.
- Michigan’s leadership in mobility innovation connects directly to Southern California’s growing EV and autonomous vehicle industry. Rivian, which began in Michigan before expanding its operations to Irvine, and Toyota, with their North American research & development centers in the Ann Arbor region, both link the regions through advances in sustainable transportation.
- Michigan alumni have made their mark in entertainment, from actors and directors to screenwriters shaping modern cinema, including James Earl Jones, Lucy Liu, and Gilda Radner. USC, meanwhile, counts George Lucas, Ron Howard, and Forest Whitaker among its alumni and stands as one of the world’s most recognized film schools.
- Ann Arbor and Los Angeles both blend creativity, culture, and community pride. Whether you are strolling down Main Street or Sunset Boulevard, there is an unmistakable passion for innovation, the arts, and a good rivalry.
How Our Communities Compare
Ann Arbor and Los Angeles might differ in size and scenery, but both are vibrant centers of creativity, education, and opportunity.
Los Angeles, with nearly 3.9 million residents, is more than 30 times larger than Ann Arbor, yet Ann Arbor continues to punch above its weight. The city’s population of just over 120,000 supports one of the nation’s strongest innovation economies, world-class research, and a quality of life that consistently earns national recognition.
Both regions rank among the most educated in the country and enjoy strong median household incomes: $80,603 in Ann Arbor and $79,701 in Los Angeles.
When it comes to affordability, Ann Arbor is far more accessible. Its cost of living index of 99.6 sits close to the national average, while Los Angeles’ 163.1 reflects the high cost of housing and everyday expenses in one of the world’s most in-demand metro areas. Despite the difference, both communities attract top talent drawn by innovation, culture, and opportunity.
Comparing the Universities
The University of Michigan and the University of Southern California are national powerhouses in academics, research, and athletics.
U-M ranks among the top public universities in the nation, with more than 52,000 students and nearly $2 billion in research expenditures, placing it fourth nationally. USC enrolls more than 47,000 students and invests over $1.15 billion in research, earning a top-30 ranking among all U.S. universities.
Michigan leads in undergraduate engineering, business, and computer science, while USC shines in film, communications, and business education. Both universities fuel innovation that extends far beyond their campuses, powering industries from automotive and AI to entertainment and biotech.
On the field, the two programs share a rich history, having met 11 times, with eight of those matchups taking place in the Rose Bowl. Michigan holds a 3–0 record against USC in regular-season play, including last year’s thrilling 27–24 victory in Ann Arbor.
Beyond the Field
Ann Arbor’s collaborative ecosystem continues to make national headlines. a2Tech360’s success this year brought thousands together to celebrate startups, innovation, and inclusion across the region. Events like Tech Trek, Tech Talk, and Women in Tech showcased the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps the Ann Arbor area thriving.
That same forward-looking energy defines Michigan football: disciplined, innovative, and ready to rise to the challenge, whether on the field or in the lab.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on our previous posts from this season:
Game 1: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. New Mexico
Game 2: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Oklahoma
Game 3: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Central Michigan
Game 4: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Nebraska
Game 5: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Want to learn more? Ann Arbor SPARK’s business development team can connect you with data, resources, and insights to support your business growth in our region.
