Michigan Football Season Preview: Biggest Opponents, Possible Upsets, and More

Michigan Football is gearing up for another big year. With Sherrone Moore out and Kyle Whittingham in, the Wolverines coach has plenty of pressure to take steps toward the J.J. McCarthy-led unit that won it all under Jim Harbaugh. However, it won’t be handed to Whittingham on a silver platter.

Here’s a look at the biggest games, the dicest matchups and an overall look at the state of the roster and how things look in the grand scheme of things.

Top 3 Biggest Opponents On Michigan’s Schedule

While not the biggest or most difficult opponent on the schedule, Michigan’s matchup against Western Michigan will be the first football game of the season. The Broncos are coming off a ten-win year, so Michigan can expect a haymaker from the program. Not only will it set the tone for the year, but it will also set the tone for Kyle Whittingham’s tenure. Put simply, all eyes will be on the unit to deliver.

The next biggest game will be against the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers under Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers will be working to fill the loss of national champion quarterback Fernando Mendoza, so the team might not be as difficult to beat as it was in 2025. However, expect plenty of eyes on the matchup that takes place on Oct. 24.

Another huge game with plenty of attention will be against Michigan State, setting up an intrastate rivalry matchup in which the Wolverines should win. However, the ferociousness of the rivalry will garner extra attention. The Spartans are expected to have the matchup circled after losing 20-31 in 2025 and by just a touchdown in 2024, 17-24.

3 Games Where Kyle Whittingham’s Squad Will Fall Short

Death, taxes and Ohio State being formidable. The program hasn’t had a sub-.500 season since 2011. Don’t expect the team to stumble in 2026. As such, Kyle Whittingham will be out of his depth, and it could show here. It’s college football, so anything is possible, but the odds are stacked against Whittingham.

The Oregon Ducks have been a powerhouse over the last five years, and there are no reasons to believe the team will cease to stay in motion in 2026. 2025 and 2024 have been nearly perfect with a 26-3 record. The game will take place at Oregon, which means the unit will need to travel halfway across the country and stare down a rival fanbase against the Ducks. Put simply, Whittingham will have his hands full.

The program that gave the world Baker Mayfield continues to be a problem in the mid-2020s. The Oklahoma Sooners are coming off its second double-digit win season in three years, and don’t expect the team to slow down. This might be the easiest matchup of the three for Whittingham, but it will still require near perfection from the head coach to have a chance.

Overall Outlook

All in all, the Michigan Wolverines don’t have to worry about a disastrous season. However, don’t expect domination from Kyle Whittingham as he learns his team. Plenty of brutal matchups lie ahead for the Wolverines, so expect 3-5 losses if everything goes well. If Michigan starts slow, however, it could be a long season.

If Whittingham is going to succeed, he will need to wring a first career breakout season out of one of his quarterbacks. Bryce Underwood is the incumbent quarterback, but his 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions will need significant improvement for Michigan to have a chance.

Whittingham has confidence he can turn things around, but getting on the same page and finding a rhythm with his quarterback could take time.

Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule the coach will have to navigate, courtesy of ESPN.

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