Michigan football has received a preseason ranking of No. 16 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll ahead of the 2026 season. The ranking comes as the Wolverines prepare to begin play under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, whose arrival has generated optimism about the program’s direction moving forward.
Despite the solid preseason ranking, Michigan faces a formidable schedule that could present significant challenges throughout the season. The Wolverines will compete against six ranked opponents, including powerhouses Ohio State (No. 1), Oregon (No. 2), Indiana (No. 6), Oklahoma (No. 10), Penn State (No. 18), and Iowa (No. 22). Additionally, the team will face unranked opponents Minnesota and Western Michigan, both of which received votes in the preseason poll but fell short of the top 25.
The preseason AP Top 25 was released with Ohio State and Oregon claiming the top two positions, followed by Georgia at No. 3. The Big Ten Conference demonstrates its strength in the poll, placing eight teams in the top 25 rankings. As Michigan prepares for the upcoming campaign, the demanding conference schedule will test the program’s ability to compete at the highest level under Whittingham’s new leadership.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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