So you're scrolling through your guide or frantically refreshing your sports app trying to figure out what channel is the michigan football game on today? I've got some news for you, and it’s probably not what you want to hear if you were planning on a Saturday-style tailgate in the middle of January.
Honestly, Michigan is not playing a football game today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
The Wolverines’ season actually wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. If you remember that shootout in Orlando, Michigan fell to the Texas Longhorns 41-27 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Since then, the pads have been packed away. The team is currently in the middle of a massive transition period, mostly focusing on the recruiting trail and adjusting to the "Whittingham Era" after a wild coaching carousel.
Where is the Big Ten Action Today?
While the maize and blue jerseys are in the locker room, the Big Ten is far from quiet. If you see "Michigan" on your TV guide right now, you’re almost certainly looking at Michigan State.
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The Spartans are taking on the Indiana Hoosiers tonight. It's a big matchup, but it’s happening on the hardwood, not the gridiron. You can find that game on the Big Ten Network (BTN).
Football-wise, the entire country is essentially on pause until next Monday. That’s when the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship kicks off at Hard Rock Stadium. It’s going to be No. 1 Indiana—yes, the Hoosiers made it—facing off against No. 10 Miami. That game will be all over ESPN starting at 7:30 p.m. EST on January 19.
The New Face of Michigan Football
It's been a hectic few weeks in Ann Arbor. Following the 2025 season, the program made a massive splash by hiring Kyle Whittingham as the new head coach. He’s been moving fast. Just this week, he’s been finalizing his staff, naming Jason Beck as the offensive coordinator and Jay Hill as the defensive coordinator.
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You’ve probably seen the headlines about the transfer portal, too. Whittingham is bringing some of his Utah talent with him. Tight end JJ Buchanan just committed to the Wolverines after a monster freshman year, and he’s joined by defensive standouts like John Henry Daley.
What Channel Is the Michigan Football Game on Today? The Short Answer
If you are looking for a live game today: There isn't one.
But, if you just need a Michigan fix, the Big Ten Network often runs "B1G Football in 60" or classic re-airs. On a Tuesday in January, the schedule is usually dominated by:
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- B1G Today: Daily news and analysis (5:00 PM ET on BTN).
- College Basketball: Michigan State vs. Indiana is the primary "Michigan-related" broadcast today.
- Recruiting Specials: With National Signing Day in the rearview, analysts are breaking down Michigan’s top-15 ranked 2026 class.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
If you're already itching for the "real" game day experience, the countdown has officially started. Michigan opens the 2026 season at the Big House.
Mark your calendars for September 5, 2026. The Wolverines will host Western Michigan. While the exact kickoff time and channel haven't been set by the networks yet, you can bet it will be a primetime slot on either FOX, CBS, or NBC, given the excitement around the new coaching staff.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Check the Transfer Portal: Keep an eye on the "Whittingham Effect." More defensive depth is expected to follow from the West Coast in the coming weeks.
- Spring Game Intel: Look for announcements regarding the Maize and Blue Spring Game, usually held in April. This will be your first chance to see the new-look offense under Jason Beck.
- National Championship Prep: Even though Michigan isn't in it, watch the Indiana vs. Miami game on ESPN next Monday. Indiana is a conference rival now more than ever, and seeing how they handle the big stage is a good barometer for the Big Ten's strength heading into next year.
The hunt for what channel is the michigan football game on today might have led to a dead end for live action, but the 2026 rebuild is very much televised in the news cycles.