The long offseason officially began on Monday night following Indiana’s National Championship victory over Miami. We’ll now have to wait until Week 0 (Saturday, Aug. 29) for the unofficial kickoff to the 2026
season.
But as is tradition across the internet, many media outlets have already published their way-too-early rankings for the 2026 season. Here is a roundup of some of the best, and where they have the Michigan Wolverines at.
On3: No. 11
What they said: “Michigan’s 2024 ended in disaster with a loss to Ohio State, and things (somehow) got worse. The Sherrone Moore saga — which ended in his firing — was one of the more bizarre off-the-field stories you’ll find in college football. But what happened after is all really good stuff. The Wolverines hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, retained quarterback Bryce Underwood and added a bunch of pieces in the transfer portal. Given Whittingham’s history and Michigan’s resources, the Wolverines should be a very tough out in the Big Ten next year.”
The Top-10: Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, Indiana, Oregon, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Miami, Oklahoma
CBS Sports: No. 9
What they said: “The Wolverines might be the surprise team in the Big Ten next season. The hiring of Kyle Whittingham was a master stroke considering the timing and circumstances, but the addition of Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck is the key. His offense at Utah was electric, and tapping into the potential of quarterback Bryce Underwood should send shivers down the spines of opposing coaches.”
The Top-10: Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Indiana, Michigan, Oklahoma
ESPN: No. 18
What they said: “After a season to forget, both on and off the field, the Wolverines must be looking forward to the start of the Kyle Whittingham era. The 66-year-old had a 177-88 record in 21 seasons at Utah, and Michigan hired him only 13 days after he stepped down. He has some playmakers in place on offense, led by quarterback Bryce Underwood, tailback Jordan Marshall and receiver Andrew Marsh. There are a handful of players coming back with starting experience on the offensive line, including left tackle Evan Link. There are more personnel losses on defense, but the Salt Lake City pipeline should help Michigan fill its holes. Daley had 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in 2025. He’s coming back from a lower-leg injury. With several Utah assistants joining Whittingham at Michigan, there will be plenty of familiarity for a smooth transition.”
The Top-10: Indiana, Texas, Notre Dame, Georgia, Oregon, Ohio State, Texas Tech, Miami, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
The Athletic: No. 14
What they said: “Underwood had an underwhelming freshman season but should benefit from the arrival of Kyle Whittingham and OC Jason Beck, who developed Utah star Devon Dampier. Michigan will have another strong running game, led by Marshall. The front seven loses a ton of experience but at least adds Daley, who led Utah with 11.5 sacks. Young D-linemen will need to emerge. The secondary can be a strength, though.”
The Top-10: Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, Miami, Texas, Indiana, Notre Dame, BYU, Oklahoma, Texas Tech
USA Today: No. 14
What they said: “A new era begins under former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who takes over a team potentially defined by quarterback Bryce Underwood’s growth as a sophomore under new coordinator Jason Beck. Defensively, Michigan has the framework of a starting lineup but lacks depth up front and is inexperienced on the second level, though edge rusher John Henry Daley and cornerback Smith Snowden came along from the Utes and will make immediate impacts. Look for Whittingham to install a high floor for his debut with the potential for a run at the Big Ten if the roster comes together this summer.”
The Top-10: Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, Indiana, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oregon, Miami
Yahoo Sports: No. 16
What they said: “It’s hard to see how Michigan could have done much better than getting Kyle Whittingham after it fired Sherrone Moore. Whittingham brings offensive coordinator Jason Beck with him from Utah and Bryce Underwood could have a breakout season under Beck. DE John Henry Daley and other players have followed Whittingham from Salt Lake City, too.”
The Top-10: Oregon, Texas, Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Miami
The Sporting News: No. 16
What they said: “Whittingham takes over at Michigan after Sherrone Moore was fired. New offensive coordinator Jason Beck will get to work with quarterback Bryce Underwood, who had 2,418 yards, 11 TDs and nine interceptions as a freshman. Jordan Marshall and five-star freshman Savion Hiter from a strong backfield, and Texas transfer Jamie Ffrench adds to the receiver room. Utah edge rusher John Henry Daley – who had 11.5 sacks – is a portal prize. The Wolverines play Oklahoma on Sept. 12 and face Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State in Big Ten play.”
The Top-10: Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas Tech, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss
Athlon Sports: No. 12
What they said: “New coach Kyle Whittingham inherits a talented Michigan roster coming off a nine-win campaign in ’25 and one that should have playoff aspirations next season. Rising sophomore Bryce Underwood is just scratching the surface of his potential and should be a good fit for new coordinator Jason Beck’s offense. Running back Jordan Marshall (932 yards) returns to anchor the ground attack, while the Wolverines should have one of the top offensive lines in the Big Ten. New defensive signal-caller Jay Hill has holes to fill at every level, but portal additions should provide instant help. If healthy, former Utah lineman John Henry Daley (11 1/2 sacks) will be among the nation’s top defenders.”
The Top-10: Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Miami, Texas Tech, Oklahoma
FOX Sports: No. 16
What they said: “Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, one of the most underrated coaches in the sport, will enter 2026 leading the winningest program in college football history with a quarterback talented enough to help the Wolverines contend for the Big Ten championship.”
The Top-10: Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Texas, Miami, Georgia, Texas A&M, Miami
