So, you’re sitting there, wings are getting cold, the fight song is stuck in your head, and you’re frantically scrolling through your guide wondering what channel is u of m football on right now. Honestly, we've all been there. It used to be simple—you just turned on ABC at noon and saw Keith Jackson.
But things have changed. In 2026, the Big Ten’s massive $7 billion media deal has scattered Michigan games across more networks than a Netflix series. Between FOX, CBS, NBC, and the Big Ten Network (BTN), tracking down the Maize and Blue feels like a part-time job.
If you're looking for the short answer: there isn't one "Michigan channel." It depends entirely on the week.
The Big Three: Where Michigan Lives Most Saturdays
The Big Ten currently splits its best games between three major networks. They basically have a "draft" to decide who gets the top matchups.
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FOX is the home of "Big Noon Saturday." If the Wolverines are playing a high-stakes game against someone like Ohio State or Michigan State, there is a very high probability you’ll find them on FOX at 12:00 PM ET. It’s become their flagship window.
CBS took over the 3:30 PM ET slot that used to belong to the SEC. If Michigan is playing a mid-afternoon game, check your local CBS affiliate. This also means you can stream those specific games on Paramount+.
NBC is the new primetime player. They have "Big Ten Saturday Night," which features the biggest conference game in the 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM ET window. If Michigan is under the lights, NBC is your destination, with a simultaneous stream on Peacock.
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Don't Forget the "Niche" Channels
Then you have the Big Ten Network (BTN). This is where you’ll usually find the games against non-conference opponents (like Western Michigan or UTEP) or lower-tier conference matchups. If you can’t find the game on the big networks, it’s almost certainly here.
Watching the Wolverines Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck, but you do need to be strategic. You can’t just buy one app and see every game.
- YouTube TV & Hulu + Live TV: These are the most reliable. They carry FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, and the Big Ten Network. You’ll get basically every game this way.
- Peacock: Here is a curveball. The Big Ten deal actually requires a handful of games to be exclusive to Peacock. This means even if you have cable, you might still need a Peacock subscription for one or two games a year.
- FuboTV: Great for sports because it includes BTN and FS1, which often host overflow coverage.
- Sling TV: A bit cheaper, but be careful. You need the "Blue" package to get the Big Ten Network, and local channels like ABC or FOX are only available in certain cities.
The 2026 Schedule Mystery
One thing that drives fans crazy is the "six-day window." Networks often wait until the Sunday or Monday before a game to announce the kickoff time and channel. They do this to see who is winning and which game will get the most viewers.
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For the 2026 season, we already know some big ones. The season opener against Western Michigan on September 5th is likely a BTN or FOX candidate. The massive showdown with Oklahoma on September 12th is almost certainly going to be a national broadcast on ABC or FOX.
Pro Tip: The Radio Backup
If you’re stuck in the car or the power goes out, the Michigan Sports Network from Learfield is your best friend. In the Detroit area, WJR-AM (760) is the classic choice. If you're near Ann Arbor, it's WTKA (1050 AM). You can also find the broadcast on the Varsity Network app for free.
Actionable Steps for the Next Kickoff
Stop guessing and start prepping. Here is how you ensure you never miss a snap:
- Download the Blue-Only Apps: Make sure you have the NBC Sports, FOX Sports, and CBS Sports apps on your TV or phone. Even if you have cable, these are great for watching on the go.
- Check the "Official" Source: Every Monday, go to mgoblue.com. They update the schedule with the exact channel as soon as the Big Ten office releases it.
- Audit Your Streaming: If you only have Peacock, you’ll miss 90% of the games. If you only have cable, you might miss the 1-2 games that are Peacock exclusives. A "Live TV" streamer like YouTube TV is the most "all-in-one" solution available right now.
- Get an Antenna: If you live near a major city, a $20 digital antenna will get you FOX, CBS, and NBC for free in high definition. You’ll still need BTN for the smaller games, but it’s a great fallback.
Knowing what channel is u of m football on doesn't have to be a Saturday morning crisis. Keep your apps updated, check the schedule early in the week, and always have a backup plan for those Peacock-exclusive weeks. Go Blue!