Overview
- Coach Sherrone Moore said urgency is "at an all-time high" as No. 18 Michigan (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten) starts a three-game run that will decide its postseason fate.
- Michigan opened as a roughly 9–10 point favorite over Northwestern at Wrigley Field, with one of its lowest totals of the season around 41 points and a 3-6 record against the spread.
- Linebackers Jimmy Rolder, Cole Sullivan and Jaishawn Barham are trending positively after the bye, while running back Justice Haynes remains week-to-week and will miss Northwestern; the Free Press reported he had foot surgery.
- Tight end Marlin Klein and top receiver Donaven McCulley are expected to play, with tight end Hogan Hansen nearing a return and safety Rod Moore still uncertain.
- Michigan climbed to its highest AP ranking in over a month and previously debuted at No. 21 in the CFP rankings, while adding two 2026 commitments in LB Aden Reeder and OL Tommy Fraumann.