The University of Michigan football program announced on September 3, 2023, that its 2027 season will commence on August 28, pushing the original start date back by a full week. This adjustment follows the NCAA’s decision to add a second bye week to the Division I football calendar, a change that remains pending final approval from the Division I Cabinet.
NCAA's New Scheduling Format
Under the revised timetable, Michigan’s opener against Buffalo is now set for August 28, followed by a road game at Texas on September 4 and a home matchup with Eastern Michigan on September 11. Those dates replace the previously slated September 4, September 11 and September 18 contests, which had been delayed as part of the broader calendar realignment.
The ripple effect of the NCAA’s calendar shift is already being felt across the Football Bowl Subdivision, with Michigan State and several other conference members expected to announce their own date modifications in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the 2026 season is already underway, highlighted by Week Zero matchups that saw Eastern Michigan defeat Sacramento State earlier this week.
While the Division I Cabinet is slated to vote on the revised schedule within the next month, the interim period allows conferences and schools to fine‑tune travel plans and broadcast arrangements. Michigan’s athletic department says the new spacing provides additional recovery time for players and could improve overall performance throughout the extended season.