The University of Michigan football program has released the kickoff times for its early-season games, giving fans a clear view of what to expect on the schedule.
Confirmed Kickoff Details
The season opener is set for Saturday, September 5, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, when the Wolverines travel to face Western Michigan in Kalamazoo. The game will be televised nationally on NBC, marking the network's first major college football broadcast of the year.
A week later, Michigan will host UTEP in a mid‑afternoon showdown scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT, with the contest airing on the Big Ten Network. The timing is designed to accommodate both regional audiences and the broader college football viewership.
Broadcast Reach and Audience
NBC, a long‑standing broadcaster of Michigan football, will carry the opening night game, while the Big Ten Network will handle the Week 3 contest, reflecting the conference's expanding role in distributing live sports content.
Both networks have secured prime‑time slots that align with advertising strategies and viewer habits, ensuring that fans across the country can tune in at convenient times.
The announcements come as the program prepares for a demanding non‑conference stretch that includes matchups in the Midwest and the West Coast, setting the tone for the Big Ten schedule that will follow.