So, you’re looking for the Michigan football game time today. Maybe you’re checking the fridge for dip ingredients or clearing your afternoon to watch the Wolverines dominate.
Honestly? You can put the chips away. There is no Michigan football game today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
It feels a bit weird, right? Especially when you consider that the College Football Playoff (CFP) is still technically alive and kicking. But for the Maize and Blue, the 2025-2026 campaign reached its finish line a few weeks ago in Orlando. If you’re a die-hard fan, this is that awkward "dead zone" where we transition from Saturday tailgates to obsessively checking the transfer portal and recruiting rankings.
What happened to the postseason run?
A lot of fans expected to see Michigan deep in the bracket this year. The reality was a bit harsher. The Wolverines wrapped up their season on December 31, 2025, at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
It wasn't the result anyone in Ann Arbor wanted. Michigan fell to the Texas Longhorns with a final score of 41-27. While the offense showed flashes of that classic grit, the defense just couldn't contain the explosive plays from the Longhorns' backfield. That loss officially shuttered the season, leaving the Wolverines with a respectable but ultimately "championship-less" record.
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Since that New Year's Eve game, the team has shifted entirely into offseason mode. While you won't find a Michigan football game time today, the rest of the college football world is gearing up for the big one.
The National Championship is calling (without Michigan)
The game everyone is actually talking about right now happens this coming Monday. On January 19, 2026, the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes will square off for the National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
It’s a bit of a surreal matchup for Big Ten fans. Seeing Indiana—yes, that Indiana—reach the title game while Michigan watches from home is definitely a conversation starter at the local sports bar. Curt Cignetti has done something in Bloomington that most people thought was impossible.
If you’re still itching for a football fix today:
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- The NFL Playoffs are the main course this weekend.
- Transfer Portal news is hitting every hour (Michigan has already been active here).
- Coaching staff shifts are currently the "game" being played in Ann Arbor.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Michigan football schedule
Since there's no kickoff today, your best bet is to start looking at the calendar for the fall. The 2026 season-opener is already set. Michigan will host Western Michigan at the Big House on September 5, 2026.
There was a lot of chatter about that game moving to Germany for an international showcase. That would’ve been wild. Imagine the Big House faithful in Frankfurt. Ultimately, the athletic department decided to keep it in Ann Arbor. It’s probably for the best; there's nothing like a late-summer Saturday on Main Street.
The 2026 home slate looks pretty beefy. After Western Michigan, the Wolverines welcome Oklahoma on September 12. That’s going to be a massive early-season litmus test for the program.
Why you might see "Michigan" on your TV today anyway
If you turn on the Big Ten Network or check local listings, you might see the block 'M' popping up. It just won't be for football.
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The university’s winter sports are in full swing. The Michigan men’s hockey team is actually playing Minnesota today, January 16, at 8:00 PM. If you need that competitive fix, the ice is where you’ll find it. The wrestling team and gymnastics squads are also in the thick of their Big Ten schedules.
Basically, the "game time" you're looking for belongs to the puck, not the pigskin.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there's no game to watch, here is how you can actually stay plugged in:
- Monitor the Portal: Keep an eye on the defensive line depth. With a few key starters heading to the NFL Draft, the coaching staff is scouting for veteran experience.
- Check Hockey Stats: If you're watching the game tonight, keep an eye on the power play units; Minnesota’s defense is top-tier this year.
- Ticket Updates: Check the official MGoBlue site for 2026 season ticket renewals, as the Oklahoma game is expected to be a sell-out months in advance.