An inflatable Big Ten Conference logo adorns the outside of the track during day one of the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 16, 2025, at Hayward Field in Eugene.
An inflatable Big Ten Conference logo adorns the outside of the track during day one of the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 16, 2025, at Hayward Field in Eugene.
May 28, 2026, 3:13 PM CUT
College Football Kickoff Timings Announced For Big Ten Conference
Excitement around college football is building as kickoff times have now been announced for some of the biggest games of the season. The Big Ten Conference officially announced the schedule and kickoff times for the first three weeks of the season on May 27.
Michigan will open its season against Western Michigan on September 5. Under the Big Ten’s television agreement, Michigan’s regular-season games will air across FOX, NBC, CBS, and the Big Ten Network.
For the third season in a row, the University of Michigan will open the campaign at home in the night game slot on NBC after wins over Fresno State and New Mexico in 2024 and 2025.
In Week 2, Michigan will face Oklahoma before returning to The Big House to host UTEP on September 19, according to On3.
Apr 18, 2026; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Tomas O'Meara (36) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Tomas O'Meara (36) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
One of the other notable games on the schedule is the season finale against Ohio State on November 28. The remaining kickoff times will be announced closer to the 2026 season.
Beyond the kickoff timings, the structure of Michigan’s schedule could play a major role in how the Wolverines respond after a modest 2025 campaign.
Why Michigan’s 2026 Schedule Could Help a Bounce-Back Season
Michigan won three straight Big Ten titles from 2021 to 2023 under Jim Harbaugh. In 2023, they also won the national championship.
Michigan had a manageable schedule in 2025, but the team failed to capitalize on it. Last season, the Wolverines faced the 24th-toughest schedule in the country, according to ESPN.
The Wolverines went 9-4 last season, including 7-2 in the Big Ten. Before that year, they went 8-5 overall and 5-4 in the conference. Sherrone Moore was the head coach for both years.
This season, however, things look different, as Michigan's revamped coaching staff and the program will be led by quarterback Bryce Underwood and new head coach Kyle Whittingham. The staff has also managed to retain much of last season’s core roster.
During an appearance on On3 Sports, Underwood shared his thoughts on the program and how they will overcome the previous season.
“We went through a lot, but I think we’re going to be more player-led this season. I feel like we are more of a team now,” Underwood said.
What do you think about the schedule of the Michigan Wolverines so far? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Evince Das
Edited by
Rudra Dubey