Jan Jansen warns that a playoff berth will not satisfy Michigan fans as expansion talks continue. The former Wolverine and analyst believes elite programs face a championship-or-bust standard.

"It all depends on the program. And if you are a Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, if you're a, you know, pick any of the quote unquote, blue blood power programs, then just making it is not going to be good enough," said Jansen.

Jansen argues that elite, tradition‑rich programs are judged by higher standards. For them, simply qualifying for a 24‑team playoff won’t satisfy fans. It's a transition now under Kyle Whittingham. Whittingham inherits a program with playoff-or-bust expectations.

"You're going to have to make it to the championship game. You have to at least make it to the semifinals on a regular basis. You're going to have to make and win a national championship," added Jansen.

The proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff from 12 teams to 24, with Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti among the strongest supporters of the move.

The SEC has taken a more cautious stance, as commissioner Greg Sankey recently suggested the conference would prefer evaluating a 16-team format or sticking with the current setup for now.

Michigan has been on the rise in the last few years. The year 2023 was their breakout season when they won the CFP National Championship.

However, based on fan sentiment, they think that another championship win for Michigan is not too far.

The Hype Around Michigan Just Keeps Growing

Michigan football fans were recently asked if Kyle Whittingham will win a national championship. In a voting hosted by SBNATION, they shared their views.

Almost 74% of Michigan football fans think a national title under Whittingham is more than a possibility. So 2026 looks to be the year of the Wolverines. Whittingham has a five-year contract with Michigan and has a career 177-78 record. 

The Utah head coach has been immensely successful in his career. His biggest wins have come in the Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl.

According to NFL insider Hayes Fawcett, the Wolverines are now close to adding Four-Star EDGE Ifeanyi Emedobi. Michigan has made its final cut, apart from Penn State, Indiana, and Minnesota. After Recarder Kitchen and Jayce Brewer, this could very well be Michigan's third commitment.

Michigan is acing it with recruits at the moment, and championship aspirations don't seem far-fetched. No wonder fans are hopeful.

What are your views on the Michigan Wolverines 2026 season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Rudra Dubey