Michigan State vs USC rivalry
USC leads the series 5-4 in meetings on record since 1963.
Next meeting
Michigan State and USC do not play each other in the 2026 regular season.
All-time series
Michigan State 49 meetings since 19635 USC
Series leader: USC.
See the full all-time Michigan State vs USC head-to-head record and every meeting on record.
By decade
1960s 1 2
1970s 0 2
1980s 2 0
1990s 1 0
2020s 0 1
Series notes
Meetings played9
Series wins, Michigan State4 of 9
Series wins, USC5 of 9
Decided by 3 points or fewer3 of 9
Side by side, 2026 season
Michigan State USC
- 18.2 18th
- Points per game
- 37.3 6th
- 23.2 12th
- Points allowed
- 25.5 14th
- 305.6 18th
- Total yards per game
- 467.8 6th
- 4.5 18th
- Yards per play
- 6.7 8th
- 123.6 15th
- Rush yards per game
- 156.2 8th
- 182.0 17th
- Pass yards per game
- 311.7 3rd
- 20.4 12th
- First downs per game
- 25.3 3rd
- 40.0% 13th
- Third-down rate
- 52.1% 2nd
- -4 16th
- Turnover margin
- -1 12th
- 2 17th
- Takeaways
- 5 11th
- 7 12th
- Sacks
- 13 5th
- 17 18th
- Sacks allowed
- 6 5th
- 34.0 3rd
- Penalty yards per game
- 60.8 11th
- 31:41 7th
- Time of possession
- 33:17 2nd
Season totals from CollegeFootballData. Small figure: rank within the Big Ten; the better side is highlighted.
Recent meetings
Results are read from official box scores and republished after every meeting.
The Big Ten Report
One conference, in your inbox every Tuesday.
Standings, the title race and one opinion on the Big Ten. No filler.
Frequently asked questions
What is the record in Michigan State vs USC?
USC leads the series 5-4 in meetings on record since 1963. That is Michigan State 4, USC 5 across 9 meetings on record.
When do Michigan State and USC play next?
Michigan State and USC do not play each other in the 2026 regular season.