Michigan Football Broadcast Guide For The 2026 Season
- 01. University of Michigan Football Broadcast Channels 2026: Complete TV & Streaming Guide
- 02. Primary Broadcast Networks for 2026 Season
- 03. Complete 2026 Michigan Football Schedule with Broadcast Info
- 04. Streaming Platforms and Digital Options
- 05. Radio Broadcast Network and Flagship Station
- 06. International Viewing Options for Non-US Fans
- 07. Key Broadcasting Statistics for 2026
University of Michigan Football Broadcast Channels 2026: Complete TV & Streaming Guide
University of Michigan football games in 2026 will air primarily on FOX, ABC, ESPN, and the Big Ten Network (BTN), with select matchups streaming exclusively on ESPN+ and Peacock. The flagship radio station is 94.7 WCSX-FM in Detroit, carrying all 12 regular-season games starting with the September 5 opener against Western Michigan.
Primary Broadcast Networks for 2026 Season
The Big Ten Conference's multi-year media rights deal guarantees Michigan football receives national exposure across major television networks throughout the 2026 season. FOX holds独家 rights to marquee Saturday afternoon games, while ABC broadcasts primetime matchups with nationwide reach. ESPN and ESPN2 cover conference play and bowl games, and BTN provides regional coverage for less prominent contests.
Specific confirmed broadcasts for Michigan's 2026 schedule include the September 12 home game against Oklahoma on FOX, the November 7 matchup versus Michigan State on BTN, and the traditional season-ending rivalry at Ohio State on November 28 also on FOX. Four straight home games open the season at Michigan Stadium, with TV assignments for three remaining games marked as TBA pending final network selection.
- FOX: Primary broadcaster for top-ranked matchups and rivalry games
- ABC: Primetime Saturday night games with national audience
- ESPN/ESPN2: Conference play and bowl game coverage
- Big Ten Network (BTN): Regional coverage and afternoon contests
- CBS Sports: Select Big Ten games beginning in 2024 contract
Complete 2026 Michigan Football Schedule with Broadcast Info
The official 2026 schedule features eight home games and four road contests, with Michigan leaving Ann Arbor just once before Halloween for the first time in years. All game times are local to the game site, with Ann Arbor games played in Eastern time.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5 (Sat) | vs Western Michigan | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA | Big Ten Network/B1G+ |
| Sep 12 (Sat) | vs Oklahoma | Ann Arbor, Mich. | Noon | FOX |
| Sep 19 (Sat) | vs UTEP | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA | TBA |
| Sep 26 (Sat) | vs Iowa | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA | TBA |
| Oct 3 (Sat) | at Minnesota | Minneapolis, Minn. | TBA | TBA |
| Oct 17 (Sat) | vs Penn State | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA | TBA |
| Oct 24 (Sat) | vs Indiana | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA | TBA |
| Oct 31 (Sat) | at Rutgers | Piscataway, N.J. | TBA | TBA |
| Nov 7 (Sat) | vs Michigan State | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA | Big Ten Network |
| Nov 14 (Sat) | at Oregon | Eugene, Ore. | TBA | TBA |
| Nov 21 (Sat) | vs UCLA | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBA | TBA |
| Nov 28 (Sat) | at Ohio State | Columbus, Ohio | Noon | FOX |
Schedule details were updated as of late January 2026, with TBA designations indicating pending TV network selection that will be posted once confirmed by Michigan Athletics.
Streaming Platforms and Digital Options
Fans without traditional cable can access Michigan football through multiple streaming services that carry the required broadcast networks. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM all offer comprehensive packages including FOX, ESPN, ABC, and BTN. Most services provide free trials perfect for big game days before committing to subscriptions.
Exclusive streaming-only games require specific platforms: ESPN+ hosts quát games exclusively broadcast on ESPN networks, while Peacock carries select NBC Big Ten matchups. The FOX Sports App enables live streaming of FOX-broadcast games for authenticated subscribers. Download the Michigan Wolverines Official App, ESPN App, FOX Sports App, and Big Ten Network App for mobile access.
- YouTube TV: Includes FOX, ESPN, ABC, BTN; $72.99/month
- Hulu + Live TV: Comprehensive sports package; $76.99/month
- FuboTV: Sports-focused with 4K option; $79.99/month
- DIRECTV STREAM: Premium channel options; $79.99/month
- ESPN+: Exclusive streaming games; $10.99/month or $119.99/year
Radio Broadcast Network and Flagship Station
Beginning with the 2025 season and continuing into 2026, 94.7 WCSX-FM serves as the new flagship radio station for University of Michigan athletics following a multi-year deal with Beasley Media Group Detroit. The partnership officially kicked off with the 2025 Michigan football season and covers all football, men's basketball, and ice hockey games.
The Michigan Wolverines Sports Network consists of 46 radio stations carrying live coverage throughout Michigan and neighboring states, with WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM (105.1 The Bounce) serving as Metro Detroit flagships. Games are also available on SiriusXM satellite radio channel 196 and online via TuneIn Radio.
"Beasley Media Group's Detroit's Classic Rock 94.7 WCSX will serve as the new flagship station for University of Michigan Athletics," according to the April 16, 2025 announcement.
International Viewing Options for Non-US Fans
International fans can access Michigan football through ESPN International, which carries select games in various regions outside the United States. BTN International is available in select countries for Big Ten Conference content. Fans abroad may also use YouTube TV with a VPN service to access US broadcasts.
Key Broadcasting Statistics for 2026
The Big Ten Conference's media rights deal generates approximately $2.65 billion annually across all member schools, with Michigan receiving significant allocation due to its national fanbase exceeding 3 million registered fans. FOX alone broadcasts 18+ Big Ten games yearly, while ESPN carries 20+ games across its network. The Michigan Sports Network reaches 46 radio stations across Michigan and Ohio, making it one of the largest collegiate sports radio networks nationally.
In 2025, Michigan football games averaged 4.2 million viewers on FOX, 2.8 million on ABC, and 1.5 million on BTN, reflecting the program's national popularity under head coach Kyle Whittingham's first full season. The September 12, 2026 matchup against Oklahoma is projected to draw 6+ million viewers given both programs' ranked status entering the season.
Key concerns and solutions for Michigan Football Broadcast Guide For The 2026 Season
What channels are Michigan football games on in 2026?
Michigan football games air on FOX, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Big Ten Network (BTN), and CBS Sports, with some games streaming exclusively on ESPN+ and Peacock depending on the matchup.
What is the radio flagship station for Michigan football 2026?
94.7 WCSX-FM in Detroit is the flagship radio station for all 2026 Michigan football games, replacing the previous flagship under a new multi-year deal with Beasley Media Group starting in 2025.
Can I stream Michigan football without cable in 2026?
Yes, live TV streaming services including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM carry all major networks broadcasting Michigan games, while ESPN+ and Peacock host exclusive streaming matchups.
When does the 2026 Michigan football season start?
The 2026 season opens Saturday, September 5, at noon ET with home games against Western Michigan, followed by Oklahoma on September 12 and UTEP on September 19, all at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
What channel is the Michigan-Ohio State game on in 2026?
The traditional season-ending rivalry at Ohio State on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at noon ET broadcasts on FOX, continuing the network's rights to marquee Big Ten matchups.