Michigan Wolverines Predicted to Win 8 Games in 2026

Michigan Wolverines are expected to have a better season under Kyle Whittingham's coaching, but their record might not reflect it, according to CBS Sports' Brad Crawford. The team has a tough schedule ahead, with games against Oklahoma, Iowa, Penn State, Indiana, at Oregon, and at Ohio State. Michigan will need to win at least half of those six games to remain in College Football Playoff contention. Crawford predicts the Wolverines will win two of the four tough games, against Indiana and Penn State. And with a talented supporting cast, including Bryce Underwood, Michigan could beat everyone else, but growing pains are inevitable in a first-year coaching transition. The Wolverines' first season under Whittingham should feature noticeable progress, with a physical and disciplined brand of football from Week 1. But winning immediately against this slate is another challenge altogether, with heavyweight matchups against Oklahoma, Iowa, Oregon, and Ohio State. Michigan wasn't that far off last season, with a close loss at Oklahoma, and relatively lopsided losses against USC and Ohio State. The bowl game against Texas ended up lopsided after a series of miscues in the fourth quarter led to a bit of an implosion. So if Michigan can get past Oklahoma in Week 2, all bets are off, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Wolverines go into the month of November undefeated. But a lot will have to go right, with all those games before November being at home. Brad Crawford's projected record for Michigan is 8-4, with wins against Western Michigan, UTEP, at Minnesota, Penn State, Indiana, at Rutgers, Michigan State, and UCLA. The losses are predicted to be against Oklahoma, Iowa, at Oregon, and at Ohio State. With Matt Campbell taking over Penn State and bringing QB Rocco Becht along with him, the Nittany Lions will be a daunting foe. But Michigan's coaching and talent could lead to a successful season, despite the tough schedule ahead.