September is an eternity away from now, but after a successful dip into the transfer portal and the retaining of most of the roster, what can we expect Michigan football to do on the football field this year?
The 2026 schedule is filled with teams that are championship chasers themselves. Early indicators are that Kyle Whittingham is in for a stern challenge that he willingly signed up for. Here are game-by-game predictions on how things could go in the distant fall.
September 5th vs. Western Michigan-Win
September 12th vs. Oklahoma-Win
John Mateer is coming back to Norman to see if he can vault himself into a first-round pick. This will be Jay Hill's first test to provide hope for the rest of the season, defensively speaking. With the home-field advantage and more firepower on offense than last season's meeting, Michigan football can get it done with an attention-grabbing, statement victory.
September 19th vs. UTEP-Win
Date TBA vs. Indiana-Loss
Curt Cignetti will presumably be coming off a national championship and has reloaded with another Heisman contender at quarterback in Josh Hoover. The Hoosiers have become practically unbeatable and just added the nation's foremost portal class. They are equivalent to Ohio State status, but better. As long as Cignetti's in Bloomington, Michigan's chances of beating him are slim.
Date TBA vs. Iowa-Win
Date TBA vs. Michigan State-Win
Pat Fitzgerald will have his team ready for a dogfight like he always does, but its unlikely that Sparty is ready in year one of his regime. The streak ought to extend to over 2,000 days of supremacy for the maize and blue in the mitten state.
Date TBA vs. Penn State-Win
Matt Campbell is 1-0 against Whittingham, but Michigan football gets the edge at home as Penn State tries to piece together a decimated roster that will look brand new. It also took Campbell six tries to finally beat Iowa, so it may take some time for him to recruit and acclimate to the Big Ten.
Date TBA vs. UCLA-Win
Date TBA at Minnesota-Win
Date TBA at Ohio State-Loss
Even though the date is not set, it can be assumed that this war will take place on Thanksgiving weekend again. Fans would riot if it is not. The Buckeyes bring back two potential Heisman frontrunners in their quarterback and receiver and if Matt Patricia stays in Columbus, then Jason Beck has to install a gameplan to out scheme him in the Horseshoe. That's an improbable task.
Date TBA at Oregon-Loss
Winning at Oregon is basically impossible. Dante Moore's draft decision means the Ducks will be located in the top three of the Big Ten again with Ohio State and Indiana. Slowing down their offense is very tricky, let alone in Eugene. They replace an All-American safety Dillon Thieneman with another capable one in Koi Perich.
Date TBA at Rutgers-Win
That's a 9-3 record for Whittingham in his first rodeo as Michigan's head man. It shouldn't be good enough to get them into the playoffs or earn a trip to the Big Ten championship game. Another new year's eve bowl game should be the end result, barring any significant setbacks.