If you just woke up in Ann Arbor or checked your calendar and wondered, is the University of Michigan playing football today, I’ve got the quick answer for you. No. They aren't.
Honestly, the pads are tucked away and the winged helmets are on the shelf. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you're looking for Maize and Blue action right now, you'll have to swap the gridiron for the hardwood. While the football team is deep into their off-season conditioning, the #4 ranked Michigan men’s basketball team is actually the big story today. They are out West taking on Oregon at 4 p.m. ET on NBC.
The 2025 Season is in the Books
The reality of college football is that by mid-January, almost everyone is done. Michigan’s 2025 campaign wrapped up on New Year's Eve. They faced off against the Texas Longhorns in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl down in Orlando. It wasn't the ending fans wanted—a 41-27 loss—but it capped off a season where the Wolverines finished with a respectable record, though they fell short of the Big Ten Championship and the expanded College Football Playoff.
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For those tracking the CFP, you’ve probably noticed the national championship is just around the corner. That’s happening this Monday, January 19. It’s a bit of a surreal matchup this year: #1 Indiana vs. #10 Miami. Seeing the Hoosiers in the title game while Michigan watches from home is definitely a weird vibe for Big Ten traditionalists.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Since you're asking about the game today, you're probably already itching for the fall. We actually have a pretty clear picture of what the 2026 schedule looks like. Michigan is staying home to start the year. There was a bunch of talk about them playing an international game—maybe in Frankfurt—but Athletic Director Warde Manuel eventually pulled the plug on that. They decided it was better for the fans and the local economy to keep that opener at the Big House.
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- September 5, 2026: Season opener vs. Western Michigan
- September 12, 2026: Big-time matchup vs. Oklahoma
- September 19, 2026: Non-conference finale vs. UTEP
The rest of the Big Ten slate is still a bit of a "TBA" situation regarding specific dates, but we know the opponents. Michigan has a gauntlet coming up with UCLA, Penn State, and Michigan State all slated for home games. They’ll be traveling to face Ohio State (obviously), Oregon, and Rutgers.
Why the Off-Season Matters More Now
College football doesn't really have an "off" button anymore. Even though there isn't a game today, the coaching staff is basically living in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail. With the 2026 class starting to take shape, this January window is when the roster for next September is actually built.
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You’ve also got the NFL Draft declarations to think about. By mid-January, the stars who are "going pro" have already made their announcements. The team you see on the field in 2026 will look fundamentally different from the one that played in Orlando a few weeks ago.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you’re still craving that Michigan fix today, here’s how you can pivot:
- Watch Hoops: Tune into NBC at 4 p.m. ET. The basketball team is 15-1 and looks like a legit Final Four contender. Seeing them play Oregon in Eugene is a great preview of the travel we’re going to see in the "new" Big Ten football schedule.
- Check the Portal: Keep an eye on the 247Sports or On3 transfer trackers. Michigan usually makes a few key moves in late January to plug holes in the offensive line or secondary.
- Mark the Calendar: Spring ball usually kicks off in March, with the Spring Game likely landing in mid-April. That’s the next time you’ll see the winged helmets in person.
So, while the answer to is the University of Michigan playing football today is a solid "no," the program never truly sleeps. The road to the 2026 opener against Western Michigan starts in the weight room today.