If you're asking what time Michigan play, you’re probably staring at a blank TV screen or frantically refreshing a social media feed. We've all been there. It’s Saturday or Tuesday night, the wings are ordered, and suddenly you realize the kickoff or tip-off time isn't where you thought it was.
For the Michigan Wolverines, keeping track of the schedule in 2026 feels like a full-time job. Between the massive Big Ten expansion and the way TV networks like Peacock and FOX move games around, a "standard start time" doesn't really exist anymore.
The Immediate Schedule: When to Tune In
Honestly, if you’re looking for the very next game, it's all about the hardwood right now. The football season has wrapped its primary campaign, and the focus is squarely on Dusty May’s squad as they tear through the Big Ten.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Michigan is back at the Crisler Center. They’re taking on the Indiana Hoosiers.
The game is set for 7:00 PM ET.
You won't find this one on your traditional cable box easily; it’s a Peacock exclusive.
Friday, January 23, 2026
This is the big one. The rivalry. Michigan vs. Ohio State.
Tip-off is at 8:00 PM ET.
It’s a primetime slot on FOX, so no special apps required for this battle.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2026
The Wolverines host Nebraska.
Start time is 7:00 PM ET.
Again, this one heads back to Peacock.
Friday, January 30, 2026
The road trip to East Lansing. Michigan at Michigan State.
The game starts at 8:00 PM ET.
Broadcast on FOX.
Why Does the Time Keep Changing?
You’ve probably noticed that "what time Michigan play" is a moving target. It’s annoying. I get it. Back in the day, you could almost guarantee a noon start for football and a 7:00 PM start for basketball. Those days are gone.
Networks like NBC, CBS, and FOX now "draft" games. They look at the rankings—and with Michigan currently ranked in the top 5—they want those games in "Window A." Sometimes they don't even announce the exact time until six to twelve days before the game.
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If you're planning a trip to Ann Arbor, this is a nightmare for booking hotels. My best advice? Plan for a night game and be happy if it’s an afternoon start. The Big Ten's new "Pacific" wing (UCLA, USC, Oregon, Washington) means we're seeing more 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM ET starts than ever before.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Football Season
While we are currently in the thick of hoops season, people are already asking about the 2026 football schedule. The University of Michigan recently confirmed a few massive details that changed some early-season plans.
- September 5, 2026: The season opener is against Western Michigan. There was a lot of talk about this game being played in Frankfurt, Germany. However, the Athletic Department officially opted to keep it at Michigan Stadium. Expect a 12:00 PM or 3:30 PM ET kickoff, though the official time won't be set until the summer.
- September 12, 2026: A massive home game against Oklahoma. This is a potential "Big Noon Kickoff" candidate.
- September 19, 2026: Michigan hosts UTEP.
Don't Get Fooled by "TBA"
When you see "TBA" on a schedule, it basically means the TV executives are waiting to see how the previous week's games play out. If Michigan loses a game they shouldn't, they might get bumped from a 7:30 PM NBC slot to a 12:00 PM FS1 slot.
It’s all about the ratings. Michigan is a massive draw.
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If you are trying to sync your calendar, use the MGoBlue official site, but check it specifically on the Monday before a game. That’s usually when the "TBA" finally turns into a real number.
Actionable Steps for the Michigan Fan
- Download the Peacock App now: Seriously, at least three of the next five big basketball games are exclusive to streaming. Don't wait until five minutes before tip-off to realize you don't have your login.
- Sync to a Digital Calendar: Most official team sites offer an "Add to Calendar" feature. This is better than a PDF because it auto-updates when those "TBA" times finally get confirmed.
- Check the Time Zone: With the new Big Ten, always double-check if a time is listed in ET or PT. A 7:00 PM start in Eugene, Oregon, means you aren't watching until 10:00 PM if you're in Michigan.
The best way to stay ahead is to keep an eye on the local beat writers. Guys like those at UM Hoops or the Detroit Free Press usually leak the "flexible" time slots a few hours before the official announcement.
Stay ready, and Go Blue.