The Michigan Wolverines football team plays 12 regular-season games in 2026, featuring eight home games at Michigan Stadium and four road contests across the Big Ten Conference.
Kyle Whittingham debuts as head coach following the departure of Sherrone Moore in December 2025.
Table of Contents
Complete 2026 Michigan Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Venue | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Western Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Non-conference |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Oklahoma | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Non-conference |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | UTEP | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Non-conference |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Iowa | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | at Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | Huntington Bank Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | BYE WEEK | — | — | — |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Penn State | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Indiana | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 | at Rutgers | Piscataway, NJ | SHI Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Michigan State | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | at Oregon | Eugene, OR | Autzen Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | UCLA | Ann Arbor, MI | Michigan Stadium | Big Ten |
| Saturday, November 28, 2026 | at Ohio State | Columbus, OH | Ohio Stadium | Big Ten |
The Big Ten Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Michigan Football Schedule: Home Games at The Big House
Michigan Stadium hosts eight games during the 2026 season, including four non-conference matchups and four Big Ten Conference opponents. The venue capacity stands at 107,601, making it the largest stadium in college football.
Home Game Schedule
- Saturday, September 5, 2026: Western Michigan Broncos
- Saturday, September 12, 2026: Oklahoma Sooners
- Saturday, September 19, 2026: UTEP Miners
- Saturday, September 26, 2026: Iowa Hawkeyes
- Saturday, October 17, 2026: Penn State Nittany Lions (Homecoming)
- Saturday, October 24, 2026: Indiana Hoosiers
- Saturday, November 7, 2026: Michigan State Spartans (Paul Bunyan Trophy)
- Saturday, November 21, 2026: UCLA Bruins
Michigan Stadium attendance averaged 110,842 per game during the 2025 season across six home contests.
Non-Conference Matchups
The Wolverines face three non-conference opponents in September 2026. Western Michigan opens the season on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Oklahoma visits Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for a rematch of the 2025 meeting in Norman, where the Sooners won 24-13. UTEP arrives on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the first-ever meeting between the programs.
2026 Michigan Football Schedule: Road Games
Michigan travels to four Big Ten Conference stadiums during the 2026 regular season. The road schedule includes visits to Minnesota, Rutgers, Oregon, and Ohio State.
| Date | Opponent | Stadium | Capacity | 2025 Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | at Minnesota | Huntington Bank Stadium | 50,805 | Michigan won 30-27 |
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 | at Rutgers | SHI Stadium | 52,454 | Did not play |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | at Oregon | Autzen Stadium | 54,000 | Did not play |
| Saturday, November 28, 2026 | at Ohio State | Ohio Stadium | 102,780 | Ohio State won 27-9 |
Key Road Tests
The trip to Eugene on Saturday, November 14, 2026, represents Michigan’s first conference game against Oregon at Autzen Stadium. Oregon finished the 2025 season with a 13-2 record and participated in the College Football Playoff. The Ducks won the Orange Bowl and ranked No. 4 in the final 2025 polls.
The season finale at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 28, 2026, marks the 118th meeting between Michigan and Ohio State. The Buckeyes posted a perfect 12-0 regular season in 2025 and finished 9-0 in Big Ten play.
Strength of Schedule Analysis for Michigan Football
Michigan faces three top-5 teams from the final 2025 rankings: Indiana (No. 1), Oregon (No. 4), and Ohio State (No. 5). The schedule difficulty ranking places Michigan among the toughest in FBS football for 2026.
2025 Performance of 2026 Opponents
| Opponent | 2025 Record | Conference Record | 2025 Bowl Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 10-3 | 6-2 (SEC) | Beat Michigan 24-13 |
| Oregon | 13-2 | 8-1 (Big Ten) | Orange Bowl champion |
| Ohio State | 12-2 | 9-0 (Big Ten) | Beat Michigan 27-9 |
| Penn State | 7-6 | 3-6 (Big Ten) | Pinstripe Bowl win vs. Clemson |
| Iowa | 9-4 | 6-3 (Big Ten) | Citrus Bowl appearance |
| Indiana | Defending national champion | Big Ten champion | CFP participant |
Critical Three-Game Stretch
Michigan faces a decisive three-week period from Saturday, November 14, through Saturday, November 28, 2026. The sequence includes road games at Oregon and Ohio State, with a home contest against UCLA sandwiched between. This stretch will determine Big Ten Championship Game positioning and College Football Playoff eligibility.
Kyle Whittingham Era Begins: Michigan Football Schedule 2026
Kyle Whittingham takes over as Michigan’s 22nd head coach after Sherrone Moore was dismissed for cause in December 2025. Whittingham brings 19 years of head coaching experience from the University of Utah, where he compiled a 162-89 record.
Coaching Staff Changes
Whittingham retained defensive coordinator Jay Hill from Utah. The defensive scheme emphasizes man-press coverage and aggressive edge rushing. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck also followed Whittingham from Utah, implementing a gap-scheme rushing attack.
Returning Starters for 2026
Offense:
- QB Bryce Underwood: 2,428 passing yards, 17 total touchdowns in 2025
- WR Andrew Marsh: 651 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns in 2025
- RB Jordan Marshall: 932 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns in 2025
Defense:
- EDGE Nate Marshall: Returning starter
- DT Rod Moore: Returning starter
- CB Shamar Earls: Returning starter
- EDGE John Henry Daley: Transfer from Utah, 11.5 sacks in 2025
Big Ten Conference Schedule Breakdown
Michigan plays nine Big Ten Conference games starting with Iowa on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The conference slate includes five home games and four road contests.
Home Conference Games
- Saturday, September 26, 2026: Iowa Hawkeyes
- Saturday, October 17, 2026: Penn State Nittany Lions
- Saturday, October 24, 2026: Indiana Hoosiers
- Saturday, November 7, 2026: Michigan State Spartans
- Saturday, November 21, 2026: UCLA Bruins
Away Conference Games
- Saturday, October 3, 2026: at Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Saturday, October 31, 2026: at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Saturday, November 14, 2026: at Oregon Ducks
- Saturday, November 28, 2026: at Ohio State Buckeyes
Michigan vs. Indiana: Defending Champions
Indiana enters the Saturday, October 24, 2026, matchup as the defending national champion. The Hoosiers finished No. 1 in the final 2025 College Football Playoff rankings. Michigan hosts Indiana at Michigan Stadium in a game with significant Big Ten title implications.
Rivalry Games on the Michigan Football Schedule
Three trophy games appear on the 2026 Michigan football schedule: the Little Brown Jug (Minnesota), the Paul Bunyan Trophy (Michigan State), and The Game (Ohio State).
Little Brown Jug: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Michigan travels to Minneapolis for the 100th meeting of the Little Brown Jug. The series dates to 1903 with Michigan leading 77-26-3. Minnesota posted a 9-4 record in 2025 with a 6-3 Big Ten Conference mark.
Paul Bunyan Trophy: Saturday, November 7, 2026
The Michigan State rivalry returns to Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Michigan won the 2025 meeting 31-20 at Spartan Stadium. The Wolverines lead the all-time series 72-38-5.
The Game: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Michigan faces Ohio State in Columbus for the 118th meeting on Saturday, November 28, 2026. Ohio State ended Michigan’s four-game winning streak with a 27-9 victory in Ann Arbor during the 2025 season. The Buckeyes return quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for 2026.
Michigan Football Schedule: October Homecoming Game
Penn State visits Michigan Stadium for Homecoming on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The Nittany Lions enter with new head coach Matt Campbell, who replaced James Franklin following a midseason dismissal in 2025. Penn State finished 7-6 overall and 3-6 in Big Ten play before defeating Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Homecoming Week Activities
Homecoming festivities at the University of Michigan typically include:
- Alumni reunions Thursday through Sunday
- Campus pep rally Friday evening
- Tailgate activities begin Saturday morning
- Postgame concerts and celebrations
Key Matchup: Michigan vs. Oklahoma on September 12, 2026
Oklahoma returns to Michigan Stadium for a rematch on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The Sooners defeated Michigan 24-13 in Norman during the 2025 season opener. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer returns after throwing for 2,847 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025.
Series History
Michigan leads the all-time series 2-1 with victories in 1976 (14-6) and 2015 (28-7). Oklahoma’s only win came in the 2025 season opener. This marks the fourth meeting between the programs and the first in Ann Arbor since 2015.
2026 Rematch Implications
The Week 2 matchup determines early-season College Football Playoff positioning. Oklahoma enters as a top-10 team after finishing 10-3 in 2025 with a 6-2 SEC record. A victory would validate Kyle Whittingham’s defensive scheme against an elite offensive opponent.
College Football Playoff Implications
Michigan must navigate the nation’s toughest schedule to reach the 12-team College Football Playoff in 2026. The Wolverines face three top-5 teams from 2025: Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State.
Playoff Qualification Scenarios
- Big Ten Champion: Automatic bid to CFP with first-round bye
- At-Large Bid: Likely requires a 10-2 regular season record minimum
- Two-Loss Scenarios: Depends on quality losses and strength of schedule
November Schedule Impact
The three-game stretch from November 14-28 determines playoff eligibility. Oregon (road), UCLA (home), and Ohio State (road) present consecutive challenges. A 2-1 record in this span likely secures playoff positioning.
2025 Season Review: Context for 2026
Michigan finished 9-4 in 2025 with losses to Oklahoma (13-24), USC (13-31), Ohio State (9-27), and Texas (27-41 in the bowl game). The Wolverines posted a 7-2 Big Ten Conference record but missed the conference championship game.
2025 Offensive Statistics
| Category | Total | Per Game | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 358 | 27.5 | Not ranked top 25 |
| Rushing yards | 2,732 | 210.2 | Top 15 nationally |
| Passing yards | 2,428 | 186.8 | Mid-tier Big Ten |
| Total offense | 5,160 | 396.9 | Top 30 nationally |
2025 Defensive Statistics
| Category | Total | Per Game | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points allowed | 265 | 20.4 | Top 25 nationally |
| Rushing yards allowed | 1,455 | 111.9 | Top 10 nationally |
| Passing yards allowed | 2,748 | 211.4 | Mid-tier Big Ten |
| Sacks | 28 | 2.2 | Top 40 nationally |
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Football Schedule
When does Michigan football season start in 2026?
The Michigan football season begins Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium. Kickoff time will be announced approximately 6-12 days before game day.
How many home games does Michigan play in 2026?
Michigan plays eight home games at Michigan Stadium during the 2026 regular season. This includes three non-conference opponents and five Big Ten Conference matchups.
When is the Michigan vs Ohio State game in 2026?
Michigan plays at Ohio State on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The game represents the 118th meeting in the rivalry series.
What channel will Michigan games be on in 2026?
Michigan games will be broadcast on FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN networks based on the Big Ten Conference television contracts. Specific broadcast assignments are released 6-12 days before each game.
Does Michigan have a bye week in 2026?
Michigan’s bye week falls on Saturday, October 10, 2026, between the Minnesota road game (October 3) and Penn State Homecoming (October 17).
Who is Michigan’s head coach for 2026?
Kyle Whittingham serves as Michigan’s head coach for the 2026 season. Whittingham replaced Sherrone Moore, who was dismissed in December 2025.
How difficult is Michigan’s 2026 schedule?
Michigan’s schedule ranks among the most difficult nationally with matchups against three top-5 teams from 2025: Indiana (No. 1), Oregon (No. 4), and Ohio State (No. 5).
When do Michigan football tickets go on sale for 2026?
Season ticket renewals typically begin in January, with single-game tickets releasing in July-August 2026. Michigan Stadium’s capacity is 107,601.
Ticket Information for Michigan Football 2026
Season tickets for the 2026 Michigan football season renew beginning January 30, 2026, for existing holders. Single-game tickets will be released in the summer of 2026 through the official Michigan Athletics ticket office.
Season Ticket Pricing
- Season tickets average $82.50 per game based on 2025 pricing
- Eight-game home package totals approximately $660 per seat
- Premium seating ranges from $2,000-$5,000 per season
Single-Game Ticket Availability
Single-game tickets for high-demand matchups (Oklahoma, Penn State, Michigan State, Ohio State) typically sell out within hours of release. Secondary market prices range from $107-$2,372 depending on opponent and seat location.
Television and Streaming Information
The Big Ten Conference television rights split among FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN for the 2026 season. Michigan games will be broadcast across these networks based on weekly selections.
Broadcast Windows
- FOX: Noon ET and 3:30 PM ET Saturday windows
- CBS: 3:30 PM ET Saturday primary window
- NBC: Night games (7:00 PM ET or later)
- ESPN family: Varied windows, including Thursday/Friday nights
Game timesare typically announced 6-12 days before kickoff, except for select marquee matchups predetermined months in advance.
Michigan Stadium Experience
Michigan Stadium seats 107,601 fans, making it the largest football stadium in the United States. The venue completed a $226 million renovation between 2008 and 2010, adding premium seating, luxury suites, and improved facilities.
Stadium Features
- Field surface: Natural grass
- Scoreboard: HD video boards installed in 2011
- Capacity records: 115,109 vs. Notre Dame (September 7, 2013)
- Nickname: “The Big House”
Parking and Transportation
Parking lots open five hours before kickoff for all home games. Golf course parking and premium lots require season permits. Public transportation includes AATA bus routes and limited ride-share drop zones.
The 2026 Michigan football schedule presents 12 challenging regular-season contests under first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham. The Wolverines host eight games at Michigan Stadium, including marquee matchups against Oklahoma, Penn State, and Michigan State. Road tests at Oregon and Ohio State in November will determine Big Ten Championship Game participation and College Football Playoff positioning.
