Central Michigan University has announced a bold non‑conference slate that will see the Chippewas travel to Ann Arbor to face the University of Michigan in September 2028 and return to face the Wolverines again in August 2031, while also locking in a future showdown with the Tennessee Volunteers in 2028.
A Historic Home‑and‑Home Series
The 2028 meeting is set for September 2 at Michigan Stadium, the iconic venue in Ann Arbor, and will mark the first official opponent added to CMU’s 2031 schedule, which opens with a home game against Michigan on August 30.
Michigan has owned the series historically, winning all five previous encounters, the most recent a 63‑3 rout in 2025, underscoring the challenge facing the Chippewas as they seek to test themselves against a perennial powerhouse.
Amy Folan, Central Michigan’s athletic director, revealed the agreements this week, framing the contests as opportunities for exposure and growth for the Mid‑American Conference program.
Financial Terms of the Agreements
Under the deal, CMU will receive $1.6 million for each of the two games against Michigan, while the matchup with Tennessee will bring in $1.3 million, figures that will be woven into the university’s athletic budget and could fund facility upgrades and scholarship enhancements.
The financial infusion is expected to bolster recruiting efforts and provide resources for coaching staff, reinforcing the program’s ambition to compete at a higher tier within the FBS landscape.
The 2031 game, slated for August 30, will be the first opponent announced for CMU’s distant‑future schedule, signaling a long‑term commitment to high‑profile matchups that can attract national attention.
The upcoming contest with Tennessee, a program with which CMU has never met on the gridiron, promises a fresh rivalry that could further elevate the Chippewas’ profile and generate additional excitement among fans and alumni.