Both of Michigan’s starting inside linebackers are transfers. Jaishawn Barham, ranked No. 119 in the 2022 class, arrived this offseason from Maryland, while Ernest Hausmann, a former three-star, is in his second year with the Wolverines. They are tied for the team lead with 14 tackles apiece.

USC stood up to LSU on a purely physical level. The Trojans and Lincoln Riley know they have to prove their manhood again versus Michigan. Riley spoke about the physical challenge of playing Michigan and going up against the Big Ten's best,

Michigan football can right the wrongs of the nonconference part of the 2024 season with a big win against USC on Saturday, but it will be a tough challenge as the 2-0 Trojans hope to prove that they’re for real in the Big Ten opener — their first conference game.