How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Penn State

Game 6: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Michigan vs. Penn State | Michigan Stadium | 3:30 p.m.

It's Homecoming weekend in Ann Arbor, and the Wolverines are back at the Big House for a showdown between two of college football's most storied programs.

Michigan and Penn State enter Saturday's matchup looking for their first Big Ten wins of the season. Both teams are also under new leadership, with Michigan's Kyle Whittingham and Penn State's Matt Campbell taking over after coaching in the Big 12.

With a combined history of nearly 2,000 victories, these programs have plenty in common on the field. But how do their communities compare beyond the scoreboard?

Ann Arbor & State College Connections

• College Town Traditions: Both communities know how to celebrate a football Saturday. Michigan Stadium is the nation's largest college football stadium, while Penn State's Beaver Stadium is famous for its electric White Out atmosphere. Both bring tens of thousands of visitors to their communities on game days.
• Local Food Favorites: Ann Arbor's Zingerman's Delicatessen and Penn State's Berkey Creamery are beloved destinations for students, alumni, and visitors. One is known for its sandwiches, the other for its ice cream, but both have become part of their communities' identities.
• Research & Innovation: Both universities are major research institutions with influence far beyond their campuses. U-M is particularly strong in mobility, life sciences, and emerging technologies, while Penn State has notable expertise in materials science, energy, and agricultural research.

On the Field

Michigan leads the all-time series against Penn State 17-10 and has won the last three matchups, including a 24-15 victory in Happy Valley in 2023. The Wolverines have also won seven of the last 10 meetings, with their largest margin of victory coming in a 49-10 win in 2016.

The programs are remarkably close in several all-time football milestones. Michigan leads college football with 1,024 victories, while Penn State ranks seventh with 957. Penn State has a slight edge in bowl appearances, 57 to Michigan's 54, while the Wolverines lead in NFL Draft selections, 427 to 402.

Off the Field

Ann Arbor and State College are both closely tied to their universities, but the communities differ significantly in size. Ann Arbor's population of 122,233 is nearly three times State College's 40,844.

Both communities have highly educated populations. In Ann Arbor, 77.9% of adults age 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared with 68.4% in State College. Median household income is $82,212 in Ann Arbor and $45,424 in State College, although the large student population in State College can influence household income figures.

Despite the income difference, the two communities have similar overall living costs. Ann Arbor's Cost of Living Index is 99.7, just below the national average of 100, while State College comes in at 101.8.

The universities are also major contributors to research and talent development. U-M reported $2.16 billion in research expenditures in 2024, ranking fourth nationally, compared with Penn State's $1.30 billion and No. 25 ranking. Both institutions also enroll tens of thousands of students and produce thousands of graduates annually.

The Bigger Picture

Ann Arbor and State College show how major universities can shape their surrounding economies in different ways. While Ann Arbor stands out for its larger population, highly educated workforce, and significant research investment, both communities demonstrate the influence of higher education on talent, innovation, and local identity.

On Saturday, though, it's all about football. Two historic programs, two new head coaches, and two teams looking to get back in the Big Ten win column.

Go Blue!

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