Michigan Keeps 2026 Opener in Ann Arbor, Scraps Frankfurt Plan

Athletic director Warde Manuel said a thorough review showed staying in Ann Arbor was best.

Overview

Michigan confirmed the Western Michigan game will be played Sept. 5, 2026 at Michigan Stadium after evaluating an overseas option.
The school had explored moving the matchup to Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park in partnership with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Manuel thanked the German club and stadium managers and noted the program remains open to future international opportunities.
Head coach Sherrone Moore is suspended for Week 1 under NCAA penalties from the Connor Stalions case and would not have coached a Frankfurt opener.
Had the move proceeded, it would have joined other 2026 European season openers already slated for Dublin and London.