Michigan 2026 football schedule: Kyle Whittingham era starts with huge test vs. Oklahoma

Michigan 2026 football schedule: Kyle Whittingham era starts with huge test vs. Oklahoma originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Michigan Wolverines enter a new era under Kyle Whittingham, who replaced Sherrone Moore in December amid disturbing events.

Nonetheless, the Wolverines appear poised to return to the top of the conference this fall under second-year quarterback Bryce Underwood. While their schedule appears challenging at a glance, an early-season test with the Oklahoma Sooners may just be what the Wolverines need to get going.

Whittingham also said he is the right coach to mentor Underwood throughout his development as a starting college quarterback. Whittingham, who appeared on a recent episode of "The Triple Option" podcast with Urban Meyer, spoke openly about where Underwood fell short this past season.

“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."

Through early dialogue with Underwood, Whittingham said he and his new quarterback will grow accustomed to each other really quickly.

“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 andKoy Detmer Jr. are outstanding quarterback developers and coaches, so we’re already going down that path.”

MORE: 2026 Ohio State football schedule

As is the case every season, the Wolverines are left with a few must-see Big Ten games this fall. The Iowa Hawkeyes may be a potential surprise team, while the Indiana Hoosiers could be pushing toward another conference title, CFP and national title berth.

Of course, the regular-season concludes with "The Game," as the Wolverines will try to regain bragging rights against the Buckeyes.

All in all, it should be a year to remember in Ann Arbor.

2026 Michigan Wolverines full 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)

MORE:Indiana 2026 football schedule 

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