Season Opener Preview
Michigan will kick off the 2026 campaign against Western Michigan on September 5 at 7:30 p.m. on NBC, a matchup that sets the tone for a roster still shaking off the effects of a turbulent offseason.
Offensive lineman Ace Hamilton, a cornerstone of the line, has been sidelined by a long‑term lower‑leg injury, while former five‑star tackle Andrew Babalola, who missed the entire 2025 season after a torn ACL, is also unavailable for the opener.
Defensive standouts such as Rod Moore are not yet fully recovered; he will see action in the first game but at less than peak strength, whereas junior All‑American transfer John Henry Daley, who overcame an Achilles injury, is slated to start on the defensive line at full capacity.
Veteran Dominic Nichols, who dealt with a minor tweak, is expected to suit up, and the coaching staff has placed special emphasis on protecting quarterback Bryce Underwood, limiting unnecessary contact to keep him healthy.
Whittingham, who took over as head coach, has repeatedly stressed that player health and readiness are the program’s top priorities, noting that the team aims to reduce missed tackles to fewer than nine per game, down from an average of 9.7 last season.
If the Wolverines can stay disciplined and keep their key pieces on the field, the early schedule could provide a springboard for a stronger campaign, even as the injury list remains a concern.