Navigating the university of Michigan football tv schedule used to be simple. You’d wake up, check the clock for a noon kickoff, and flip to ABC or the Big Ten Network. Not anymore. With the Big Ten’s massive new media rights deal fully in effect for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the way we watch the Wolverines has fundamentally shifted. It’s a mess of streaming apps, rotating networks, and "flex" scheduling that can leave even the most die-hard season ticket holder feeling lost.
Honestly, the days of assuming every game is on "regular TV" are over. If you don't have a plan, you're going to miss a kickoff.
The 2025 Schedule: Where and How to Watch
The 2025 season just wrapped up its primary broadcast window, and it was a rollercoaster of network hops. We saw the Wolverines start the season with something historic: back-to-back night games for the first time in program history. That wasn't just a scheduling quirk; it was a deliberate move by the networks to maximize eyeballs.
The season-opener against New Mexico landed on NBC at 7:30 PM ET, immediately followed by a massive road trip to Norman to face Oklahoma on ABC.
Late-Season Breakdown
As the season progressed, the big-ticket matchups stayed on the major networks, but the times were often kept in "holding patterns" until 6 or 12 days before the game. This "network flex" is the new normal.
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- Wisconsin (Oct 4): This was the Homecoming game, aired on FOX at noon.
- USC (Oct 11): A late-afternoon clash on NBC/Peacock.
- Michigan State (Oct 25): The battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy stayed in primetime on NBC.
- The Game (Nov 29): Per tradition, Ohio State at Michigan remained in the "Big Noon" slot on FOX.
You've probably noticed that Peacock and Paramount+ are no longer "optional" for a Michigan fan. Because NBC and CBS simulcast their games on these platforms, they’ve become the cheapest way to watch if you’ve cut the cord.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 University of Michigan Football TV Schedule
Looking forward to 2026, the non-conference slate is already locked in, and the TV landscape is becoming even more consolidated under the Big Ten's "Big Three" partners: FOX, CBS, and NBC.
September 5, 2026: Western Michigan at Michigan
The season starts at the Big House. While the specific network hasn't been assigned yet, this is a prime candidate for the Big Ten Network (BTN) or a noon slot on FOX. There was a lot of chatter about this game potentially being played in Germany, but the university confirmed it will remain in Ann Arbor.
September 12, 2026: Oklahoma at Michigan
This is the big one. After traveling to Norman in 2025, the Sooners come to the Big House for the first time ever. Expect this to be a massive national broadcast. It’s almost certainly going to be either the FOX Big Noon Saturday game or the NBC Big Ten Saturday Night showcase.
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September 19, 2026: UTEP at Michigan
A classic "buy game" that will almost certainly land on the Big Ten Network.
Why Your "Standard" TV Package Might Not Be Enough
The Big Ten’s $1.1 billion-per-year deal means the conference is spread across more platforms than ever. You basically need a "triad" of access to guarantee you see every snap of the university of Michigan football tv schedule.
First, you need the locals: FOX, CBS, and NBC. You can get these with an over-the-air antenna if you live in a decent signal area. Second, you need the "tier 2" cable networks: Big Ten Network (BTN) and FS1. These are rarely available on the cheapest "skinny" streaming bundles. Third, and most annoying for some, is the streaming-only requirement.
Peacock usually gets at least one or two "exclusive" Big Ten games per year that aren't shown on NBC. If Michigan gets stuck in one of those slots, you have to have the app. Period.
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The Cord-Cutter’s Checklist
If you’ve ditched cable, here is what actually works for the 2025-2026 window:
- YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: These are the gold standard. They carry all the local channels plus BTN and FS1.
- FuboTV: Great for sports, though sometimes they have disputes with certain local affiliates.
- Sling Blue: You get FS1 and sometimes local FOX/NBC, but you’ll often miss out on CBS and BTN without add-ons. It's risky for a Michigan fan.
Surprising Details About "The Game" TV Rights
Most fans think "The Game" against Ohio State is contractually obligated to be on FOX forever. That's not quite true. While FOX has the "first pick" of games most years—and they always pick Michigan-Ohio State—the new contract allows for some rotation.
In 2026, NBC actually holds the rights to the Big Ten Championship game. While they won't get the regular-season finale (FOX won't let that go), the post-season path for Michigan will look very different if they make it to Indianapolis.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
Don't wait until the Friday before the Western Michigan opener to figure this out. The "flex" schedule means you won't know the kickoff time for most games until roughly 10 days prior.
- Download the Michigan Athletics App: They push notification game times the second the networks finalize them.
- Check your BTN access: Some lower-tier cable packages dropped the Big Ten Network during recent negotiations. Verify you still have it.
- Budget for Peacock: Even if you hate the idea of another app, it's usually $7.99 for a month. Just buy it for the month Michigan is scheduled for a streaming-exclusive game and then cancel it.
- Set your DVR for "Big Ten Elite": If you miss a game, BTN's 60-minute replays (Big Ten Football in 60) are the best way to catch up without the fluff.
The 2026 season is going to be a gauntlet with the expanded Big Ten, and the schedule will reflect that. Keeping a close eye on the weekly "6-day window" announcements is the only way to stay ahead of the curve.