You're driving through the thumb, or maybe you're stuck in the driveway finishing a project, and the kickoff is minutes away. You need the radio. Not a podcast, not a "live update" tweet, but the actual roar of the Big House coming through your speakers. If you are frantically wondering what AM station is the michigan game on, you’ve probably realized that while FM gets all the glory, the AM dial is still the backbone of the Michigan Sports Network.
Honestly, finding the right frequency is harder than it used to be. Stations flip formats, signals fade when you cross county lines, and sometimes your car’s scan button just skips right over the gold.
The Heavy Hitters: Detroit and Ann Arbor Frequencies
In the Detroit metro area, the situation is a bit of a legacy play. For decades, fans instinctively tuned to one spot, but things shift. Currently, if you are looking for the game in Southeast Michigan, WWJ 950 AM is your primary destination for news-style updates and the full gameday experience. It’s got that high-power signal that reaches deep into the suburbs.
However, you've also got WJR 760 AM. While WJR is famously the home of various Detroit sports and the Michigan Panthers (the USFL/UFL version), it frequently serves as a massive pillar for Wolverines coverage, especially for pre-game talk and massive afternoon matchups.
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If you are actually in Ann Arbor, don't bother with the big Detroit sticks. You want WTKA 1050 AM. They call themselves "The Big 1050" for a reason. It is wall-to-wall Michigan sports. You’ll hear the local perspective, the tailgating reports from Main Street, and the kind of granular detail you just don't get on a national broadcast.
The Voices You’ll Hear
It isn't just about the numbers on the dial; it’s about the guys behind the mic. Since the legendary duo of Jim Brandstatter and Dan Dierdorf retired, the booth has a different energy. Doug Karsch handles the play-by-play now, and he’s joined by Jon Jansen. Jansen, a former captain and offensive lineman, brings that "in the trenches" vibe that makes you feel like you're actually on the sidelines. They have a chemistry that’s grown fast, which is a relief for those of us who grew up on the old-school broadcasts.
Finding the Game Across the State
Michigan is a big state. A signal in Detroit isn't going to help you if you’re up in Traverse City or Escanaba. The Michigan Sports Network is basically a giant web of affiliates.
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- Grand Rapids: You’re looking for WOOD 1300 AM. They also simulcast on 106.9 FM, but the 1300 AM signal is a beast in West Michigan.
- Lansing: Usually, WJIM 1240 AM is your go-to. It can be a little scratchy if you're near the MSU campus (ironically), but it's the reliable choice for the capital city.
- The North: If you're up in the Escanaba area, try WDBC 680 AM. In Rogers City, WHAK 980 AM has you covered.
- Saginaw/Flint: WSGW 790 AM is a long-standing partner, though they often lean into their FM sister station (100.5) for the clearest audio.
Why the AM Station Still Matters
You might think, "Why not just stream it?" Well, data caps are real. Cell towers near the stadium get absolutely hammered on Saturdays, turning your "5G" into a glorified dial-up connection. An AM signal travels. It bounces off the atmosphere (especially at night).
Basically, AM radio is the "break in case of emergency" tool for every Michigan fan.
There’s also the delay. If you’re watching the game on a streaming service like Peacock or even Hulu Live, you are likely 30 to 60 seconds behind real-time. If your neighbor is listening on WTKA 1050 AM, they are going to cheer for the touchdown while your quarterback is still in the huddle on your TV screen. That’s a spoiler nobody wants.
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National Options
If you are outside the state entirely—maybe you’re a displaced Wolverine in Florida or California—the AM dial won't reach you unless the atmospheric conditions are freakishly perfect. In that case, SiriusXM is the play. They usually host the Michigan home feed on Channel 195, 196, or 197 (it rotates based on the week’s schedule).
Troubleshooting Your Signal
Sometimes you tune in and hear static. Or worse, you hear a different game. This usually happens because of "daytime" vs "nighttime" power regulations for AM stations. Some stations have to lower their power at sunset to avoid interfering with other stations far away.
If your favorite station fades out during a late-season 7:30 PM kickoff, try the next town over. Or, honestly, just look for the strongest FM affiliate in the area. Most AM stations now have an FM "translator" (those weird stations like 95.7 or 101.5) that carries the same broadcast.
Actionable Next Steps for Gameday:
- Program your presets now. Don't wait until you're merging onto I-94 to find the station. Set 950 AM, 760 AM, and 1050 AM (if you're in the southern half of the state).
- Download the Varsity Network app. It’s the official free streaming home for Learfield sports. If the radio signal dies, this is your backup, and it’s usually more stable than a random pirate stream.
- Check the weather. Heavy rain or solar flares (seriously) can mess with AM reception. If the sky is falling, look for an FM affiliate like WCSX 94.7 in Detroit.
- Sync the audio. If you hate the TV announcers, mute the TV and turn on the radio. You’ll have to pause your DVR for a few seconds to get the timing perfect, but hearing Karsch and Jansen is infinitely better than most national crews.