The Michigan Wolverines are stepping into a new chapter, and it’s a big one. After a turbulent offseason, the program turned the page by bringing in longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, who takes over for Sherrone Moore. Whittingham inherits a team that’s still packed with talent and hungry to return to the top of the Big Ten - and he’s got a potential star in the making under center.
That would be Bryce Underwood, the second-year quarterback who’s expected to lead the Wolverines this fall. Underwood’s upside is undeniable, and Michigan fans are eager to see what he can do with a full season of experience and a coaching staff committed to his development. Whittingham, for his part, believes he’s the right guy to guide Underwood through the next phase of his growth - and he’s already getting to work.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Triple Option podcast with Urban Meyer, Whittingham didn’t shy away from pointing out where Underwood’s freshman season came up short, particularly in terms of coaching support.
“From what I understand, there was no dedicated quarterback coach working with him on a daily basis, which has to happen,” Whittingham said. “He’s a young man, 17 years old.
He didn’t turn 18 till mid-season. He really could have been in high school last year, as far as his age.”
That context matters. Underwood was essentially learning on the fly last season - and now, with a more structured developmental plan in place, the Wolverines are betting big on his leap in Year 2.
Whittingham added that the early conversations between him and Underwood have been promising. There’s already a shared understanding of what needs to improve - particularly in mechanics and fundamentals - and the coaching staff is wasting no time.
“There’s some things in throwing mechanics and just things to smooth out in his fundamentals and technique, and we’ve already got a good start on that,” Whittingham said. “Jason Beck and Koy Detmer Jr. are outstanding quarterback developers and coaches, so we’re already going down that path.”
That’s a strong support system for a young quarterback with Underwood’s ceiling - and it’s exactly what Michigan fans were hoping to hear.
Looking ahead, the Wolverines’ 2026 schedule doesn’t exactly ease them into the season. After opening at home against Western Michigan, they’ll face a major early test in Week 2 with Oklahoma coming to Ann Arbor. That matchup could serve as a measuring stick for how far Underwood - and the team - have come under the new regime.
The Big Ten slate offers no shortage of intrigue either. Michigan gets Iowa at home in late September - a team that could be more dangerous than expected - before diving into a stretch that includes Penn State, Indiana, and a road trip to Oregon in mid-November.
Indiana, in particular, is a team to watch. They’ve been building momentum and could be in the mix for the conference title and a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Then there’s The Game. As always, the regular season wraps with Michigan traveling to Columbus to face Ohio State.
After last year’s result, the Wolverines will be looking to reclaim bragging rights in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. No matter the stakes, that game always delivers - and this year, it could have major implications for the Big Ten title race and the national picture.
Here’s how the full 2026 schedule shapes up for Michigan:
2026 Michigan Wolverines Football Schedule
- Sept. 5: vs. Western Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Sept. 12: vs. Oklahoma (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Sept. 19: vs. UTEP (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Sept. 26: vs. Iowa (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Oct. 3: at Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
- **Oct.
10**: OPEN
- Oct. 17: vs.
Penn State (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Oct. 24: vs.
Indiana (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Oct. 31: at Rutgers (Piscataway, NJ)
- Nov. 7: vs. Michigan State (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Nov. 14: at Oregon (Eugene, OR)
- Nov. 21: vs.
UCLA (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Nov. 28: at Ohio State (Columbus, OH)
It’s a schedule that offers plenty of challenges - and plenty of opportunities. With a new head coach, a rising quarterback, and a fanbase eager for a return to dominance, the 2026 season in Ann Arbor is shaping up to be one to watch.