If you are currently standing in the middle of a tailgate in Ann Arbor or just trying to plan your Saturday around the maize and blue, the answer to what time is the university of Michigan football game depends entirely on which week of the 2026 season we’ve reached.
Right now, it is January 2026. The 2025 season just wrapped up with a tough loss to Texas in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Eve. While the sting of that 41-27 defeat is still fresh for some, the focus has already shifted to the 2026 campaign. This is the year things get interesting. Kyle Whittingham is now at the helm, taking over the reins and looking to navigate one of the most brutal Big Ten schedules in recent memory.
Honestly, the "TBA" on the schedule is the bane of every fan's existence. Networks like FOX, NBC, and CBS usually wait until 6 or 12 days before a game to lock in the kickoff. However, we already have some concrete dates for the non-conference slate and a very clear picture of who the Wolverines are facing.
The 2026 Non-Conference Kickoff Times
We know the dates. We know the opponents. The times? Well, those are still a bit of a moving target, but history and TV contracts give us a massive hint.
On September 5, 2026, Michigan opens the season at the Big House against Western Michigan. There was actually some talk about this game being played in Frankfurt, Germany. Can you imagine? Ultimately, the athletic department decided to keep it in Ann Arbor. Expect this to be a noon or 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on the Big Ten Network or FS1.
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Then comes the big one. September 12, 2026, vs. Oklahoma. This is a rematch of the 2025 game where Michigan fell 24-13 in Norman. Since it's a high-profile matchup against an SEC powerhouse, this has "primetime" written all over it. Last year, the game was a 7:30 p.m. ET start on ABC. Expect something similar for the return leg in Ann Arbor.
Finally, the non-conference schedule wraps up on September 19, 2026, against UTEP. This is almost certainly going to be a "buy game" noon start. It's the kind of game where you get to see the depth chart get some work before the Big Ten gauntlet begins.
When Do Big Ten Games Usually Start?
If you're asking what time is the university of Michigan football game for the conference matchups, you have to look at the windows. The Big Ten has a massive media rights deal shared between FOX, CBS, and NBC.
- The Noon Window (Big Noon Saturday): This is FOX’s bread and butter. If Michigan is playing a decent team like Iowa or Indiana, there is a very high chance they land in this 12:00 p.m. ET slot.
- The 3:30 p.m. Window: This is usually the CBS slot. It’s perfect for those mid-October games when the leaves are changing and the air is just starting to get crisp.
- The Primetime Window: NBC owns the night. "Big Ten Saturday Night" is the premier slot. If the Michigan vs. Michigan State game or the Penn State game is at home, bet on a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
Speaking of rivals, The Game against Ohio State is the one constant in a sea of variables. It’s scheduled for late November in Columbus. Unless the world stops spinning, that game starts at noon ET on FOX. It’s a tradition that even the most aggressive TV executives haven't messed with yet.
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The 2026 Opponents List
While we wait for the Big Ten to drop the specific dates for the conference games, we already know the "who" and the "where." Michigan has eight home games this year, which is a huge advantage for Whittingham’s first season.
Home Games at Michigan Stadium:
- Western Michigan (Sept 5)
- Oklahoma (Sept 12)
- UTEP (Sept 19)
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan State (The Paul Bunyan Trophy)
- Penn State
- UCLA
Away Games:
- Minnesota (The Little Brown Jug)
- Ohio State (The Game)
- Oregon
- Rutgers
That road trip to Oregon is looking particularly scary. Dante Moore, the Ducks' star quarterback, recently announced he’s returning for the 2026 season instead of heading to the NFL. That significantly shifts the win probability for that matchup. It’s probably going to be a late-afternoon or night game given the time zone difference in Eugene.
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Why Does the Time Change So Much?
It’s all about the "selection process." Basically, the networks look at the standings and the "hype" around a game about two weeks out. If Michigan is undefeated and playing a ranked Penn State, NBC will flex them into the night slot to get the most viewers. If they’ve struggled and are playing a bottom-tier team, they might get buried on the Big Ten Network at 12:00 p.m.
This makes planning trips to Ann Arbor a bit of a nightmare. You’ve basically got to block out the whole Saturday and wait for the official announcement on MGoBlue.com or the Big Ten’s social media channels.
Actionable Steps for Michigan Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and never miss a kickoff, here is what you should do:
- Download the Michigan Athletics App: They push notifications the second a game time is finalized. It’s faster than checking Twitter or Google.
- Bookmark the 12-Day Window: Mark your calendar for the Monday two weeks before a game. That is usually when the "6-day selection" or "12-day selection" happens.
- Check the TV Map: If you're out of state, use 506sports.com during the week of the game. It shows you exactly which game is airing in your local market so you don't get stuck watching a random ACC matchup instead of the Wolverines.
- Prepare for "The Game": Regardless of the season's ups and downs, keep that Saturday after Thanksgiving clear for a noon kickoff.
The 2026 season is going to be a transitional one with Coach Whittingham and a new-look roster. Whether it's a noon start in the sun or a chilly 7:30 p.m. kickoff under the lights, the atmosphere at Michigan Stadium remains unmatched.