So, you’re looking for the U of M score today football? If you’ve been checking the scoreboard this Friday, January 16, 2026, you might’ve noticed a whole lot of nothing.
Empty.
The Big House is quiet. The winged helmets are tucked away. Basically, the Michigan Wolverines aren’t playing today because their 2025-2026 campaign officially wrapped up a few weeks ago in the Florida sun.
The Last Time Michigan Took the Field
The most recent U of M score today football fans are actually thinking of came on New Year's Eve. Michigan faced off against Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. It wasn't the ending Ann Arbor was hoping for. The final was Texas 41, Michigan 27.
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Honestly, it was a weird game. Michigan actually held a 27-24 lead going into the final stretch of the fourth quarter. Bryce Underwood, the freshman phenom quarterback, looked like the real deal. He scrambled for a 5-yard touchdown that felt like a "coming out" party. But then Arch Manning happened.
Manning basically took the game over for the Longhorns. He ripped off a 60-yard touchdown run that felt like a dagger to the heart of the Michigan defense. Texas scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth.
Where the Wolverines Stand Right Now
Since that loss, things have been moving fast. Like, dizzying speed. Sherrone Moore is out. Kyle Whittingham is in as the new head coach.
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It’s been a tumultuous transition.
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the transfer portal. It’s been a revolving door. Michigan lost a few guys like Andre Clarke, but they’ve been aggressive in reloading. They just landed a massive commitment from Taylor Tatum, the former number-one running back recruit who spent time at Oklahoma.
- Final 2025 Record: 9-4
- Bowl Result: Loss to Texas (Citrus Bowl)
- Current Focus: Recruiting and the Transfer Portal
The coaching staff is currently scouring the country for secondary help. Just yesterday, word broke that the Wolverines are the favorites to land Ernest Nunley, a three-star corner who recently backed off his pledge to Cal. It’s not a "score" in the traditional sense, but in January, these are the wins that matter.
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Why There’s No Game Today
If you’re wondering why Michigan isn't in the National Championship hunt this week, it’s because the Big Ten is being represented by someone else. Indiana. Yeah, you read that right. The Hoosiers are playing Miami for the title on January 19.
Michigan finished the season ranked No. 18. They had a solid year—wins over Michigan State and Northwestern kept the vibes decent—but a late-season loss to Ohio State (9-27) effectively killed their playoff hopes.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The next time you’ll see an actual U of M score today football result will be September 5, 2026. Michigan opens the season at home against Western Michigan.
There’s also some wild talk about Michigan playing that opener in Frankfurt, Germany. Imagine the maize and blue in Europe. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but the rumors are everywhere.
For now, the "score" is all about the roster. Rod Moore was just granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. That’s a massive win for a defense that struggled to contain Arch Manning's legs in the bowl game.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Track the Portal: Keep an eye on the transfer portal window which closes soon. Michigan is still looking for one more veteran offensive lineman.
- Spring Game: Mark your calendars for April. That will be the first look at Kyle Whittingham’s version of the Michigan offense.
- Recruiting: Watch for the official signing of Ernest Nunley; if he flips to Michigan, the 2026 class starts looking much sturdier in the defensive backfield.