Michigan Wolverines 2026-2027 Season Outlook: Schedule, Odds & Tickets

The Michigan Wolverines finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 record. Highlights of the season included outscoring opponents 331-224 and securing victories over Michigan State and Northwestern. However, Michigan fell to Ohio State 27-9 in “The Game” and ended its season with a loss to Texas in the Citrus Bowl.

Last December, former head coach Sherrone Moore was fired due to an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. In April 2026, Moore pleaded no contest in a Washtenaw County, Michigan, court to trespassing and malicious use of a telecommunications device in a domestic relationship. He was sentenced to 18 months’ probation after evidence emerged that he had access to the security code for the former staff member’s home and that she had contacted him during the incidents. 

Assistant coach Biff Poggi served as the team’s interim head coach before the program hired former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham on December 26. Michigan also hired Dave Peloquin as its new general manager. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck followed Whittingham to Ann Arbor, while BYU’s Jay Hill was hired as the program’s new defensive coordinator.  

Six players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with edge rusher Derrick Moore headlining the class. Moore was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round. In 2025, Moore recorded 10 sacks and 30 total tackles. 

Other selections included tight end Max Klein and linebackers Jaishawn Barham and Jimmy Rolder. Kicker Dominic Zvada signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. 

Quarterback Bryce Underwood had a strong freshman season, throwing for 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 60.3% of his passes. Underwood also rushed for 392 yards on 88 carries and scored six touchdowns. Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes led Michigan’s ground game, combining for more than 1,700 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. Andrew Marsh was the team’s leading receiver, recording 651 yards, 45 receptions and four touchdowns. 

Linebacker Cole Sullivan led the defense with three interceptions, while Rolder paced the team with 73 total tackles. 

According to 247Sports’ transfer rankings, Michigan’s 2026 class ranks 24th in the nation. Former Utah edge rusher John Henry Daley is one of the top additions after a breakout 2025 season in which he recorded 11.5 sacks and 48 total tackles. Receiver JJ Buchanan and defensive back Smith Snowden are the other key additions expected to contribute immediately. Despite the additions, Michigan suffered several key losses. Haynes transferred to Georgia Tech, Sullivan departed for Oklahoma and defensive back Hayden Sanders transferred to Notre Dame. 

Michigan’s 2026 schedule features several challenging contests, with Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon among the most notable opponents. Oklahoma and Iowa also present potential trap games, as both teams have rosters capable of competing with elite talent. Whittingham’s experience should help Michigan play physically and stay disciplined, but it remains unclear whether the Wolverines can consistently navigate such a difficult slate. As a result, many analysts project Michigan to finish 8–4 in 2026.

FanDuel Sportsbook lists Michigan at +1400 to win the Big Ten and +4000 to win the national championship.

Michigan Wolverines 2026-2027 Schedule & Tickets:

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Article by Christian Bongiorno