Michigan Keeps 2026 Opener at Home, Scraps Frankfurt Plan
An internal review weighed financial pressures plus a Week 1 coaching suspension in reaching the decision, according to local reporting.
Overview
- Michigan will host Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 after exploring an Aug. 29 game in Frankfurt.
- Athletic director Warde Manuel said a thorough evaluation led to keeping the game in Ann Arbor and thanked Eintracht Frankfurt for its partnership.
- Local coverage reports that projected postseason revenue losses and new athlete revenue-sharing costs were likely factors in the choice.
- Head coach Sherrone Moore is suspended for Week 1 under NCAA penalties from the Connor Stalions case, which would have kept him out for an overseas opener.
- Michigan says it remains open to future international games, as other 2026 college matchups are scheduled in Dublin and London.