Daunting is an understatement when you look at Michigan's schedule on paper. The Wolverines really don't get time to settle in because they get a crucial test almost every week in 2026. That means that they will be playing some of the most dangerous, game-breaking talent on a weekly basis. There will be no rest for the weary when it comes to getting through this gauntlet of heavyweights.
Facing 3 of the toughest position groups in the sport for Michigan
Indiana's Offensive Line
Quarterback Josh Hoover will have an abundance of protection for the Hoosiers this coming fall. Four seniors and a sophomore will be doing their jobs to keep him upright and clean. It starts on the left side with Carter Smith, who is one of the premiere tackles in the game. He is flanked by Drew Evans and Joe Brunner at guard. Evans returns as one of the top interior players in the country and everyone was after Brunner in the portal.
John Henry Daley going one-on-one with Smith will make one of them a lot of money come next April. In fact, Smith is the highest-ranked returning tackle according to Pro Football Focus. Evans slides into their top 10 rankings at guard, and Brunner was a former Wisconsin Badger. He should thrive under another ex-Badger, offensive line coach Bob Bostad.
Oregon's Defensive Line
Dan Lanning lost both his coordinators to head coaching jobs, but he kept Tony Tuioti along the defensive line. That move is going to pay off for the Ducks this year because Oregon's loaded with talent at the position. It's widely being considered by experts alike as the best rotation in the nation, bar none. Tuioti gets to coach his son, who produced 9.5 sacks in 2025 as a predominant edge rusher.
Younger brother of DJ, Matayo Uiagalelei, is two years removed from having a double-digit sack season himself. Tackles Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington only allowed 3.4 yards per rush during the Ducks' final four finish in the playoff. Michigan posted similar numbers against the ground game. Jim Harding and his hog maulies will earn their stripes when they visit Eugene in early November.
Ohio State's Wide Receivers
Jeremiah Smith is pound-for-pound the sport's most unmatched player. Although he hasn't torched Michigan in two meetings, he is more than capable of doing so in the blink of an eye. He's joined by Chris Henry Jr. and Brandon Inniss, who are both 1,000-yard-plus receivers anywhere they deem fit to lineup in the country.
Michigan's secondary is no slouch, though. They held Smith and Inniss to 50 yards receiving in the loss last November. This year, the Wolverines have a host of bodies to try and guard them and hold them to under 100 yards receiving. A stat that only Texas and Michigan were able to combine for in two of Ohio State's most acclaimed victories.
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