The Big Ten Network has hit the road before the 2026 season starts, visiting all the schools in the conference. On Wednesday, Big Ten Network host Dave Revsine found himself in Ann Arbor, and Michigan fans were finally given more of an inside look at fall camp.
After spending a day with the Wolverines, Revsine gave fans some videos here and there of the players getting in reps. Most of everything matched what has been talked about by Whittingham and the coaching staff: the defense is looking good with the return of Rob Moore and John Henry Daley from injury, the running back group is going to be terrifying, and the offensive line battle is heating up.
Revsine came to the conclusion that this Michigan team looks good, but their biggest battle is something completely out of their control: the 2026 schedule. As of right now, Michigan will face six Top 25 opponents, with the possibility of that number growing, and Whittingham has his work cut out for him.
Overall - this is a good situation. Very talented roster.
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 12, 2026
The only issue?? The schedule is less than ideal - 4 CFP teams from last year including all 3 from B1G and Oklahoma. Plus Iowa, PSU, Minn all coming off good years.
9 W’s would likely put in CFP discussion pic.twitter.com/rYfrVMv7Q9
Michigan's 2026 schedule gauntlet could be a blessing in disguise
If Sherrone Moore were still the head coach at Michigan with the 2026 schedule the way it looks, I would be very worried about the outlook for the season. That isn't the case, though, because Whittingham is running the show now in Ann Arbor, and his track record should give fans some comfort, even with a tough schedule like Michigan's
Based on the Preseason Coaches Poll, Michigan is set to face No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon, No. 6 Indiana, No. 9 Oklahoma, No. 17 Penn State, and No. 22 Iowa this season. Granted, those rankings are bound to change as the season goes on, but Michigan has one of the toughest schedules this season, even when looking at the non-ranked opponents like Minnesota and even Michigan State being a rivalry game.
A schedule like this feels impossible when it comes to thinking about making it to the College Football Playoff, but it could actually work in favor of the Wolverines. The College Football Playoff selection committee has put a lot of stock in strength of schedule and strength of wins.
A nine-win season for Michigan would mean only three losses, but if the losses come to quality opponents like Oregon or Indiana, who are in the top 10, it may not look so bad. Just look at Miami getting in over Notre Dame last season. Sure, the Hurricanes have the tiebreaker of the head-to-head win, but Notre Dame also didn't have quality wins over any great opponents other than Pitt and USC.
If Michigan can find a way to get a few upset wins, starting with No. 9 Oklahoma in Week 2, a schedule this tough has some breathing room with it. Revsine isn't wrong to say a good roster like this will still struggle with the schedule they were dealt, but if Michigan can win just enough games, which includes a few ranked wins, it could be enough to punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff.
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