When it comes to the Michigan Western Michigan football score, people usually expect a beatdown. Honestly, history backs that up. The Wolverines have never lost to the Broncos. Not once. But if you were looking for a score from the 2024 or 2025 season, you’ve probably noticed a bit of a gap in the schedule.
The two teams haven't met since 2021. In that game, Michigan walked away with a 47-14 victory at the Big House. It wasn't particularly close, which is kinda the theme for this specific in-state rivalry. While Michigan State and Western Michigan just kicked off the 2025 season with a 23-6 Spartan win, the maize and blue have been busy elsewhere.
The Last Time They Met: A Quick Refresher
Back in September 2021, Michigan fans were just starting to see what that season's squad could do. Blake Corum was already showing out. He racked up over 100 yards on the ground and scored a touchdown before most fans had even finished their first stadium hot dog.
The final Michigan Western Michigan football score of 47-14 reflected a game where Western just couldn't handle the sheer depth of a Big Ten roster. Cade McNamara was under center back then, throwing for 136 yards and two scores. It was a clinical, blue-collar win that set the tone for Michigan's eventually historic run.
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All-Time Series Scores
Looking back further, the numbers get even more lopsided. Michigan leads the series 8-0.
- 2021: Michigan 47, Western Michigan 14
- 2018: Michigan 49, Western Michigan 3
- 2011: Michigan 34, Western Michigan 10
- 2009: Michigan 31, Western Michigan 7
- 1943: Michigan 57, Western Michigan 6
That 1943 game? That’s still the largest margin of victory in the series. A 51-point blowout. It’s basically been a tradition for Western to travel to Ann Arbor, take a tough loss, and collect a decent check for the athletic department.
Why This Score Still Matters in 2026
You might be wondering why anyone is still talking about a game from years ago. It’s because of the transfer portal and the coaching carousel.
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Just recently, in early 2026, we’ve seen movement between these two programs that keeps the connection alive. For instance, former Michigan offensive lineman Ben Roebuck just transferred to Western Michigan. Seeing a guy move from the Big Ten to the MAC is always interesting. It changes the dynamic of how these schools interact.
There’s also been significant chatter about the 2026 season opener. Rumors have been swirling that Michigan could potentially open against Western Michigan in Germany. Yeah, you read that right. Germany. While nothing is set in stone, the idea of taking an in-state "pay game" and turning it into an international spectacle is very 2026.
The Bronco Perspective
Western isn't a "bad" team by any means. They often dominate the MAC. In 2025, they finished with a solid 10-4 record and went 7-1 in conference play. Jalen Buckley has been a beast for them, putting up over 1,000 yards rushing last season.
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But when they step up to play the big brothers in East Lansing or Ann Arbor, the speed difference is just... obvious. In their 2025 opener against Michigan State, they only managed 29 rushing yards. When you can't run the ball against a Power 4 defense, the final score is never going to look pretty.
Looking Ahead: Will We See a Rematch?
If you are hunting for the next Michigan Western Michigan football score, you'll likely have to wait for that 2026 season opener to be finalized. Until then, the 47-14 result from 2021 remains the most recent data point.
The landscape of college football is shifting so fast. With the 12-team playoff now firmly established, teams like Michigan are more cautious about who they schedule in the non-conference. They need wins, but they also need to avoid injuries before the grueling Big Ten schedule kicks in.
Western Michigan, on the other hand, needs these games. They provide the funding that keeps smaller programs alive. Plus, it gives their players a chance to play on the biggest stage in the country.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
- Keep an eye on the official 2026 schedule releases. If the Germany game happens, tickets will vanish in seconds.
- Monitor the transfer portal. With players like Roebuck moving to Kalamazoo, the "talent gap" between these two might narrow just a tiny bit.
- Check the MAC standings. Western is a perennial contender, and their performance in 2026 will dictate how much of a "threat" they actually are to a team like Michigan.