What Time Does The Michigan Game Start Today: The 2026 Schedule Trap

What Time Does The Michigan Game Start Today: The 2026 Schedule Trap

If you’re scrambling to find out what time does the Michigan game start today, you’re probably staring at a quiet Crisler Center or a vacant Michigan Stadium. It’s Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Usually, a Tuesday in January means Big Ten basketball is in full swing, but the scheduling gods decided to give the Wolverines a breather today.

Basically, there is no University of Michigan men's basketball or football game today.

I know, it’s annoying when you’ve got the wings ready and the remote in hand. But don't click away yet. While the Maize and Blue are resting, the rest of the state and the Big Ten are actually quite busy. If you just need a sports fix, there are a few games happening in the immediate vicinity that might scratch that itch.

Why There’s No Michigan Game Today

The men's basketball team is currently catching their breath after a tough loss to Wisconsin back on January 10th. Dusty May’s squad is sitting at 14-1, and honestly, the extra few days of practice are probably a blessing. They don’t play again until tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14.

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That game is a late one. They’re heading out west to face the Washington Huskies in Seattle. If you’re planning for that, tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local time) on the Big Ten Network.

As for the football team? They’re officially done with the 2025-2026 season unless you count the National Championship game on January 19, which features Indiana and Oregon this year. Michigan’s season wrapped up on New Year’s Eve in the Citrus Bowl against Texas.

What's Actually on TV Today (January 13, 2026)

If you’re just looking for "a Michigan game" and aren't strictly tied to the Ann Arbor campus, the state of Michigan has plenty of action tonight. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is carrying the torch this evening.

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  • Eastern Michigan vs. Northern Illinois: If you’re in the Ypsilanti area or have ESPN+, the Eagles are hosting the Huskies at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. That game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET.
  • Central Michigan at Miami (Ohio): The Chippewas are on the road in Oxford, Ohio. That one tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET, also on ESPN+.
  • Michigan State vs. Indiana: This is the big one for Big Ten fans. The Spartans are hosting the No. 12 Hoosiers at the Breslin Center. It starts at 7:00 p.m. ET and is streaming exclusively on Peacock.

It’s kinda weird seeing Indiana as the powerhouse this year, but here we are.

The Confusion with Women’s Basketball

Sometimes Google snippets get confused between the men's and women's schedules. To be clear, the Michigan Women’s basketball team—who just crushed Wisconsin 86-60 a few days ago—is also off today. They don't take the court again until Thursday, January 15, when they host Illinois at 7:00 p.m. ET.

How to Watch Tomorrow's Game

Since you’re already looking for the start time, you might as well prep for tomorrow's actual Michigan game against Washington.

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  1. Check the Channel: It’s on the Big Ten Network (BTN). If you have YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo, you’re good.
  2. Adjust for the Time Zone: It’s a West Coast game. 10:30 p.m. ET is a late start for those of us on the East Coast.
  3. Radio Options: If you can’t stay awake or don't have BTN, you can usually catch the local broadcast on the Michigan Sports Network (95.0 WWJ in Detroit or 1050 WTKA in Ann Arbor).

The "schedule trap" is real in mid-January. Between bowl season ending and the heart of conference play, there are frequent gaps in the calendar. While today is a "dark day" for the Wolverines, the rest of the week is packed.

Next Steps for Michigan Fans:
Check your Peacock subscription status today. Since the Michigan vs. Indiana men's game on January 20th is on Peacock, and tonight’s MSU/Indiana game is also there, you’ll want to make sure your login actually works before next week's tip-off.