Whittingham opens Michigan tenure against MAC champion Western Michigan

Kyle Whittingham steps onto the sideline as Michigan's head coach Saturday when the Wolverines host Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, beginning a new chapter for a program eager to move past a turbulent stretch under the previous staff. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge on the call.

Whittingham, 66, arrives after 21 seasons at Utah, where he compiled a 177-88 record that included Pac-12 championships in 2021 and 2022 and only three losing seasons. He stepped down from Utah after going 10-2 in 2025, then landed the Michigan job within two weeks of Sherrone Moore's firing. Moore was terminated and subsequently arrested on Dec. 10 following an incident involving a former staffer with whom he had an affair. Michigan finished 9-3 in the regular season under Moore in 2025.

The opener draws national attention largely because of sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, the consensus No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, who underwhelmed in his first season but drew positive reviews during fall camp. Whittingham is also expected to deploy five-star freshman running back Savion Hiter alongside sophomore Jordan Marshall in a backfield that analysts project will stress Western Michigan's front. The Wolverines enter as 27.5-point favorites.

Western Michigan no pushover

Despite the large spread, Western Michigan arrives as a legitimate MAC contender. The Broncos went 10-4 in 2025 under third-year coach Lance Taylor, winning the MAC Championship Game over Miami (Ohio) at Ford Field in Detroit and a Myrtle Beach Bowl victory over Kennesaw State — the program's first 10-win season since 2016. Western is again projected to compete for the MAC title in 2026.

Quarterback Broc Lowry returns after throwing for 1,803 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 963 yards and 14 more scores in 2025. Leading rusher Jalen Buckley is also back after surpassing 1,000 yards on the ground. The Broncos did receive at least one vote in both major preseason top-25 polls. Michigan defeated Western Michigan 47-14 the last time the two programs met.

The game is the first of two high-profile home dates to open Michigan's schedule, with Oklahoma visiting Ann Arbor the following weekend. Michigan's win total for the 2026 season is projected at 8.5, with the under heavily favored. The contest can also be streamed via Peacock, Fubo, and DirecTV.