If you're asking do the Michigan Wolverines play today, the answer depends entirely on which shade of Maize and Blue you're looking for. It is Thursday, January 15, 2026, and while the campus in Ann Arbor is shaking off the winter chill, the athletic department is in the thick of a massive Big Ten crossover stretch.
The Big Game: Women’s Basketball Takes the Spotlight
Honestly, the biggest story today is happening at the Crisler Center. The Michigan women’s basketball team is hosting No. 25 Illinois tonight. This isn't just another conference game; it’s Sneakerhead Night in Ann Arbor.
The tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET. If you aren't heading to the arena to see the footwear displays, you’ll need a subscription to watch. This game is streaming exclusively on Peacock.
The Wolverines are coming off a high after dismantling Wisconsin 86-60 this past Sunday. Coach Kim Barnes Arico has her squad playing with a kind of intensity that makes them dangerous in the Big Ten. They’re currently sitting on a solid record, but Illinois brings a ranked pedigree that will test whether that Wisconsin win was a fluke or a trend.
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What Happened to the Men’s Basketball Team?
You might have seen highlights of the men’s team recently and wondered where they are tonight. They actually just finished a grueling late-night road trip.
Last night—technically bleeding into the early hours of this morning, January 15—the Michigan men’s basketball team secured a massive 82-72 victory over Washington in Seattle. It was a weird game. Michigan didn't shoot the three particularly well, but they dominated the glass and found a way to win.
Because of that travel schedule and the late-night tip on the West Coast, the men are not playing today. They’re currently in the middle of a Pacific Northwest swing and won’t be back on the court until Saturday, January 17, when they face Oregon in Eugene.
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Checking in on the Ice
Michigan Hockey is currently the No. 1 ranked team in the country, and for good reason. They just finished sweeping Notre Dame last weekend. However, if you were looking for a puck drop tonight, you’re out of luck.
The skaters are currently in transit or practicing in Minneapolis. Their next series starts tomorrow, Friday, January 16, against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. That’s going to be a heavyweight bout at 8:00 PM ET on B1G+.
Is There Any Football News?
The football season is technically in the rearview mirror, but the program is in a massive state of transition. With the recent hiring of Kyle Whittingham as the new head coach, today is basically all about the transfer portal and recruiting.
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There are no games, obviously, but the "game" behind the scenes is 24/7 right now. If you're a die-hard, you’re likely refreshing the portal trackers more than the scoreboards today.
Do the Michigan Wolverines Play Today? What to Watch For
To keep it simple, here is exactly what is happening today, January 15, 2026:
- Sport: Women's Basketball
- Opponent: #25 Illinois
- Location: Crisler Center (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- TV/Streaming: Peacock
- Special Event: Sneakerhead Night
Other Sports in Action
It’s a busy Thursday for some of the "Olympic" sports as well.
- Women's Tennis: The team is wrapping up action in the Michigan Invitational.
- Water Polo: They are gearing up for the season opener at Fresno State’s "Polopalooza" this coming weekend.
- Wrestling: The team is preparing for a road trip to Rutgers tomorrow.
Basically, if you want to support Michigan today, your best bet is to fire up the Peacock app and watch the women's basketball team try to climb the Big Ten standings.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the game or the rest of the week's action, here’s how to stay prepared:
- Check your Peacock login: Since the women's game is exclusive to the streaming service, make sure you're signed in before the 7:00 PM tip.
- Sync your calendar for Saturday: Both the men's basketball and hockey teams play major road games this Saturday.
- Monitor the Portal: For football fans, follow the "Transfer Portal Pulse" updates, as the Whittingham era is officially starting to take shape with new roster additions expected this week.