Michigan Wolverines is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +16.3. Michigan Wolverines enters the season with a power rating of +16.3, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Michigan Wolverines host Western Michigan next in Week 1. In 2025, Michigan Wolverines went 9-3 overall, 4-8 against the spread, and 5-7 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Michigan Wolverines Power Rating of +16.3 is 16.1 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Michigan Wolverines have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 6,280 miles, ranking 85th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Western Michigan | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Oklahoma | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 3 | UTEP | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 4 | Iowa | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 5 | Minnesota | 510 mi | 1,021 mi |
| Week 6 | — | Bye | |
| Week 7 | Penn State | Home | 1,021 mi |
| Week 8 | Indiana | Home | 1,021 mi |
| Week 9 | Rutgers | 497 mi | 2,015 mi |
| Week 10 | Michigan State | Home | 2,015 mi |
| Week 11 | Oregon | 1,972 mi | 5,959 mi |
| Week 12 | UCLA | Home | 5,959 mi |
| Week 13 | Ohio State | 161 mi | 6,280 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
First-year head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck have installed a spread attack designed to unlock quarterback Bryce Underwood after a disappointing freshman season. The offense returns running back Jordan Marshall (932 yards, 10 TDs) and adds 5-star freshman Savion Hiter, while the receiving corps gets a boost from transfers JJ Buchanan and Jaime Ffrench alongside returning star Andrew Marsh (651 yards, 4 TDs). With four starters back on the offensive line, the unit is poised to improve from its 68th-ranked scoring output.
Defensive coordinator Jay Hill aims to replicate the 2023 national title defense with varied looks and simulated blitzes. All-America end John Henry Daley (11.5 sacks) anchors the front, supported by tackles Trey Pierce and Enow Etta. The secondary is deep and experienced, with corners Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry, safety Rod Moore, and transfers Smith Snowden and Chris Bracy adding playmaking ability. Linebacker depth remains a concern, but the unit has the potential to be a top-tier defense if healthy.
Veteran assistant Kerry Coombs has revamped a special teams unit that struggled in 2025. Punter Cameron Brown (UNLV) and kicker Trey Butkowski (20-of-23 on field goals as a freshman at Pitt) are key additions. Andrew Marsh, who made explosive plays in the return game last year, is the front-runner for return duties, with Salesi Moa and Ffrench also in the mix.
The Wolverines boast a deep roster with several 2025 freshmen who contributed last year and a highly touted 2026 class ready to step in. An opposing Big Ten assistant noted that four or five freshmen will contribute immediately, and the team has a strong blend of returning production and portal additions. The 2027 season was originally the target, but the talent is in place to compete for the conference title sooner.
Michigan's ceiling is seen as 9-3, with a difficult schedule and depth issues at linebacker as potential pitfalls. The offense's success hinges on Underwood's development in the new system, while the defense must stay healthy to reach its potential. The season opener against Western Michigan will be an early test of the new schemes and personnel.
Michigan Wolverines is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Michigan Wolverines holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +16.3, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Michigan Wolverines's home field advantage rating is 1.9 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Michigan Wolverines travels 6,280 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 85th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Michigan Wolverines: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +16.3.
