Michigan Football Schedule 2024 & Wolverines History
July 12, 2024
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 – The University of Michigan Wolverines football program is one of the most successful in college football history. With a rich history dating back to 1879, the Wolverines have won 12 national championships, three Heisman Trophies, and produced 87 consensus All-Americans. Michigan is ranked first for the .
The Wolverines capped off an undefeated 2023 season – the program鈥檚 first since 1997.聽 The win cemented head coach Jim Harbaugh鈥檚 place as one of the Michigan greats.聽 However, during the offseason, Harbaugh left for sunnier pastures as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Michigan saw 13 players drafted into the NFL ().
For first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, the upcoming 2024 season will be one of transition and change.聽 Can the Wolverines find a way to remain competitive while also rebuilding so much that was lost?聽 Michigan鈥檚 defense after being ranked as the best defense in the country last year.聽 Many questions remain on the offensive side of the ball, however, as Michigan lost quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and six offensive linemen.
See below for an in-depth preview of the Michigan football schedule 2024… and Go Blue!
Michigan Football Schedule 2024
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (EST) | TV | Tickets | All-Time Record |
| 31-Aug | Fresno State | Ann Arbor, Mich. | 7:30 PM | NBC | No Previous Matchups | |
| 7-Sep | Texas | Ann Arbor, Mich. | Noon | Fox | Texas leads 1-0 | |
| 14-Sep | Arkansas State | Ann Arbor, Mich. | Noon | Big Ten | No Previous Matchups | |
| 21-Sep | USC | Ann Arbor, Mich. | 3:30 PM | CBS | USC leads 6-4 | |
| 28-Sep | Minnesota | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBD | TBD | Michigan leads 77-25-3 | |
| 5-Oct | Washington | Seattle, Wash. | TBD | TBD | Michigan leads 9-5 | |
| 12-Oct | Bye Week | |||||
| 19-Oct | Illinois | Champaign, Ill. | TBD | TBD | Michigan leads 72-23-2 | |
| 26-Oct | Michigan State | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBD | TBD | Michigan leads 73-38-5 | |
| 2-Nov | Oregon | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBD | TBD | Michigan leads 3-2 | |
| 9-Nov | Indiana | Bloomington, Ind. | TBD | TBD | Michigan leads 62-10 | |
| 16-Nov | Bye Week | |||||
| 23-Nov | Northwestern | Ann Arbor, Mich. | TBD | TBD | Michigan leads 59-15-2 | |
| 30-Nov | Ohio State | Columbus, Ohio | Noon | Fox | Michigan leads 61-51-6 | |
2024 Season Preview
Michigan hosts eight home games compared to only four away games, a clear advantage for a Wolverine team that thrives in one of .
Fresno State (Aug 31, Home)
Michigan opens the season at home against Fresno State. Playing out of the Mountain West Conference, the Bulldogs went 9-4 last season, including a win in the New Mexico Bowl to cap off a successful season. This game will serve as a tune-up for the Wolverines, allowing them to set a tone for the season.
Texas (Sep 7, Home)
This should be one of the marque non-conference matchups of the season.聽 These two powerhouse programs have only ever met once, back in .聽 This season will be the Longhorns鈥� first in the SEC and many are already picking them to make the SEC Championship. Behind quarterback Quinn Ewers, Texas will be a top team this season.聽 Fortunately for Michigan, the Wolverines are a tough team to beat at home, boasting a .
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
Arkansas State (Sep 14, Home)
The Wolverines host Arkansas State in their second non-conference matchup. Playing out of the Sun Belt (Fun Belt!), the Red Wolves struggled last season with a 6-7 record and lost in the . Michigan should dominate this game.聽 Fortunately, for Arkansas State fans who visit Ann Arbor, there !
USC (Sep 21, Home)
Despite being ranked as a top-10 team heading into last season, USC went 8-5 behind the talent of .聽 In 2024, third-year coach Lincoln Riley hopes to turn things around.聽 Quarterback Miller Moss takes over for an offensive that is always explosive.聽 The defense, however, ranked 119th in the FBS (432.8 yards/game) last season and always seems to be Riley鈥檚 achilles heel.聽 Expect this Big Ten matchup to be a good test for a stout Michigan defense.
Minnesota (Sep 28, Home)
The Wolverines host Minnesota in the battle for the .聽 This rivalry dates back to 1892, and Michigan owns the all-time series lead 77-25-3. The Golden Gophers had a down year in 2023 going 6-7, but they are typically a solid program under head coach P.J. Fleck.聽 With that being said, expect another lackluster season for the Golden Gophers.
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
Washington (Oct 5, Away)
The Wolverines first road game of the year takes them all the way across the country to face Washington in a rematch of last year鈥檚 national championship game.聽 However, things will look mighty different in this year鈥檚 matchup.聽 First-year coach Jedd Fisch takes the reins for the Huskies after coach Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama in the offseason.聽 In Washington鈥檚 first season in the Big Ten, expect a fringe top-25 team fighting through a tough schedule.聽 This will be a difficult but winnable game for the Wolverines.
Illinois (Oct 19, Away)
The Fighting Illini have finished with a losing record in 11 of the last 12 seasons, and 2024 might be the same old tune for fourth year coach Bret Bielema鈥檚 squad.聽 Although Illinois has some power on defense, they lost four of their top five receivers as well as their top rusher in Reggie Love III.聽 Against Michigan鈥檚 top-rated defense, this should be a very one-sided matchup.
Michigan State (Oct 26, Home)
Michigan hosts in-state rival Michigan State in a matchup that is always intense, regardless of the teams’ records. MSU, which ended last season with a 4-8 record, has a new head coach in .聽 Smith came to MSU from Oregon State and he brought with him Beaver quarterback Aidan Chiles.聽 Nonetheless, the Spartans will face off against a Wolverine team that is more athletic and talented in nearly every position.
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
Oregon (Nov 2, Home)
Michigan hosts a very talented Oregon squad that went 12-2 last season. This game should have significant implications for the expanded College Football Playoff race. Last season, the Ducks boasted one of the top offenses in all of college football, averaging 531 yards per game and 44 points per game.聽 Expect a lot of the same this year behind Oklahoma-transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel.聽 The Wolverines will have their hands full against Oregon but fortunately have home-field advantage.
Indiana (Nov 9, Away)
Michigan travels to Bloomington to face Indiana in what always seems like a lopsided victory. Since 1968, Indiana has beaten Michigan twice.聽 Two times!聽 That鈥檚 remarkable domination.聽 The Hoosiers have a new head coach in Curt Cignetti and will be looking to turn their program around after another disappointing 2023 season.
Northwestern (Nov. 23, Home)
In many ways, this game should be a tune-up for 鈥淭he Game鈥� the following week.聽 The Wildcats finished 8-5 last season and beat Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. Northwestern鈥檚 coaching staff is almost entirely new (including ).聽 While there is some optimism in Evanston, this should be a very winnable game for Michigan.
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
Ohio State (Nov 30, Away)
. Need we say more?聽 Arguably the greatest rivalry in sports, Michigan has won the last three matchups and hopes to continue their streak against a Buckeyes team that boasts one of the most talented rosters in the country.聽 Last season, Ohio State finished with an 11-2 record, narrowly missing out on a College Football Playoff berth after losing to Michigan in the final game of the regular season.聽 The Buckeyes return some key players in defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and they landed key transfers in Alabama safety Caleb Downs and Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins.聽 Like always, expect this one to be a classic!
Notable Michigan Coaches
Michigan began playing football in 1879 and has had 21 head coaches during that time. The coaches below are among the best in Wolverine history.
Bo Schembechler (1969-1989)
- Record: 194-48-5
- Winning Percentage: .796
- Schembechler is largely regarded as the . His leadership produced 13 Big Ten championships and 17 bowl game appearances. Known for his tough, no-nonsense approach, Schembechler built Michigan into a national powerhouse and established the “Ten-Year War” rivalry with Ohio State’s Woody Hayes.
Fielding H. Yost (1901-1926, 1929-1930)
- Record: 165-29-10
- Winning Percentage: .833
- Yost revolutionized Michigan football with and high-scoring teams. His “Point-a-Minute” squads of the early 1900s are legendary, winning the first five national championships in program history. Yost’s influence extended beyond the field, as he also served as Michigan’s athletic director, overseeing the construction of Michigan Stadium.
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
Lloyd Carr (1995-2007)
- Record: 122-40
- Winning Percentage: .753
- Carr brought stability and success to Michigan during his 13-year tenure, including the team鈥檚 first national championship of the modern era in 1997. In addition, he won five Big Ten titles.聽 He was inducted in the .
Michigan’s National Championship Seasons
Michigan has won 12 national championships, although .
2023 Season
- Record: 15-0
- Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh
- Key Players: J.J. McCarthy (QB), Blake Corum (RB), Mike Sainristil (DB)
1997 Season
- Record: 12-0
- Head Coach: Lloyd Carr
- Key Players: Charles Woodson (CB/WR), Brian Griese (QB), Anthony Thomas (RB)
1948 Season
- Record: 9-0
- Head Coach: Bennie Oosterbaan
- Key Players: Pete Elliott (QB), Dominic Tomasi (C), Alvin Wistert (T)
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
1947 Season
- Record: 10-0
- Head Coach: Fritz Crisler
- Key Players: Bob Chappuis (RB), Bump Elliott (RB), Al Wistert (T)
1933 Season
- Record: 7-0-1
- Head Coach: Harry Kipke
- Key Players: Whitey Wistert (T), Chuck Bernard (C), Herman Everhardus (RB)
1932 Season
- Record: 8-0
- Head Coach: Harry Kipke
- Key Players: Harry Newman (QB), Francis Wistert (T), Ted Petoskey (E)
1923 Season
- Record: 8-0
- Head Coach: Fielding H. Yost
Football Schedule Michigan 2024 (Continued)
1918 Season
- Record: 5-0
- Head Coach: Fielding H. Yost
1904 Season
- Record: 10-0
- Head Coach: Fielding H. Yost
1903 Season
- Record: 11-0-1
- Head Coach: Fielding H. Yost
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
1902 Season
- Record: 11-0
- Head Coach: Fielding H. Yost
1901 Season
- Record: 11-0
- Head Coach: Fielding H. Yost
Michigan Wolverines Football: Top Statistical Leaders
Career Rushing Yards
- Mike Hart (2004-2007) – 5,040 yards
- Denard Robinson (2009-2012) – 4,495 yards
- Anthony Thomas (1997-2000) – 4,472 yards
- Jamie Morris (1984-1987) – 4,392 yards
- Tyrone Wheatley (1991-1994) – 4,178 yards
Passing Yards
- Chad Henne (2004-2007) – 9,715 yards
- John Navarre (2000-2003) – 9,254 yards
- Elvis Grbac (1989-1992) – 6,460 yards
- Devin Gardner (2010-2014) – 6,336 yards
- Denard Robinson (2009-2012) – 6,250 yards
Career Receiving Yards
- Braylon Edwards (2001-2004) – 3,541 yards
- Anthony Carter (1979-1982) – 3,076 yards
- Jeremy Gallon (2010-2013) – 2,704 yards
- Amani Toomer (1992-1995) – 2,657 yards
- David Terrell (1998-2000) – 2,317 yards
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
Total Touchdowns (career)
- Denard Robinson (2009-2012) – 91 touchdowns
- Chad Henne (2004-2007) – 90 touchdowns
- Rick Leach (1975-1978) – 82 touchdowns
- John Navarre (2000-2003) – 74 touchdowns
- Steve Smith (1980-1981) – 73 touchdowns
Career Tackles
- Ron Simpkins (1976-1979) – 516 tackles
- Jarrett Irons (1993-1996) – 440 tackles
- Erick Anderson (1988-1991) – 428 tackles
- Paul Girgash (1979-1982) – 414 tackles
- Mike Mallory (1982-1985) – 396 tackles
Career Interceptions
- Tom Curtis (1967-1969) – 25 interceptions
- Charles Woodson (1995-1997) – 18 interceptions
- Wally Teninga (1945-1949) – 13 interceptions
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 (Continued)
Total NFL Draft Picks: 414 (which ranks #5 all time)
Heisman Trophy Winners: 3 (which ranks #7 all time)
- , 1940 (RB)
- , 1991 (WR/KR)
- , 1997 (CB/WR)
Notable Michigan Rivalries
Ohio State Buckeyes (The Game)
This is one of the most storied and intense rivalries in all of sports. The rivalry dates back to 1897, and it has been played annually since 1918. Michigan leads the all-time series 60-51-6, and the Wolverines have won the last three meetings.
Michigan State Spartans (Paul Bunyan Trophy)
This bitter in-state rivalry has been played annually since 1910.聽 In 1953, the beloved Paul Bunyan Trophy was introduced and the teams have been fighting for it ever since.聽 A little-known fact is that the trophy鈥檚 full name is actually the .聽 Michigan leads the all-time series 72-38-5.
Minnesota Golden Gophers (Little Brown Jug)
One of the oldest trophy games in college football, Michigan and Minnesota have played for the Little Brown Jug since 1909. Michigan leads the all-time series 76-25-3.
Heading into the 2024 Season
As defending national champions, the Wolverines enter the 2024 season with high expectations and a target on their backs. Michigan’s success will largely depend on how well they replace key players who were drafted into the NFL, especially on offense, as well as fill the void left by head coach Jim Harbaugh鈥檚 abrupt exit.
Nonetheless, the Wolverines have a talented squad that can compete with nearly any team in the country.聽 This is largely due to a defense that returns five starters, including star tackles Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham as well as All-American cornerback Will Johnson.
Offensively, Michigan has some uncertainty at quarterback, which means they will lean heavily on the run game behind the talent of tailback Donovan Edwards.
The expanded College Football Playoff format in 2024 could benefit Michigan, potentially providing more margin for error during the regular season. However, the Wolverines’ schedule is a tough one, having to go on the road to face Washington and Ohio State as well as host Oregon and Texas.
Does Michigan have what it takes to go back-to-back?聽 While many doubt they have the firepower to compete with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, or Ohio State, they were overlooked last season, too, and look what happened.
Michigan Football Schedule 2024 – Additional Resources
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