The Michigan Wolverines are starting the Kyle Whittingham era against in-state opponents, the Western Michigan Broncos. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Wolverines are listed as 27.5-point home favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 49.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for this Week 1 matchup.
Michigan vs. Western Michigan prediction, preview
Western Michigan Preview
It was a special 2025 season for the Western Michigan Broncos. Western Michigan won the MAC Championship Game for the first time since 2016. The Broncos then got a win in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, bringing them to 10 wins on the season. Western Michigan returns a lot of key pieces from last season, including head coach Lance Taylor, quarterback Broc Lowry and running back Jalen Buckley. It should be another good season in the MAC for the Broncos, and they have a real chance to compete for a second straight title. However, this non-conference game against Michigan will be a tough task.
Michigan Preview
The Wolverines begin a much-needed new era in 2026. Just three seasons ago, Michigan won a national title. However, everything that has followed since has been a disaster. Jim Harbaugh took off to the NFL, partially due to the Connor Stallions scandal that rocked the program. As soon as that settled down, new head coach Sherrone Moore was swept up in his own scandal. The program decided to go out and hire one of the most respected head coaches in the sport, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham, to get things back on track in Ann Arbor. After gaining some valuable experience as a freshman, quarterback Bryce Underwood is hoping for a big season.
Michigan vs. Western Michigan Pick
My best bet is on the Michigan Wolverines to cover as 27.5-point favorites. Kyle Whittingham will want to set the tone in his first game in charge of the program. Michigan should keep its foot on the gas and try to win this game in convincing fashion. The Wolverines should control the game on the ground with Bryce Underwood and the running back duo of Savion Hiter and Jordan Marshall. The Wolverines have a strong defense and should keep the Western Michigan offense contained.
Illinois rolled Western Michigan 38-0 when they faced off early on last season. Michigan demolished their 2025 MAC opponent, Central Michigan, 63-3. It should be a similar result this time around, with Michigan winning by at least four touchdowns.
