ESPN recently commented on the Wolverines' CFP hopes in 2026.

ESPN believes Kyle Whittingham and the Michigan Wolverines have a legitimate chance to make it to the College Football Playoff in 2026. Here’s why:

Despite a December scandal and coaching change, Michigan football finished No. 11 in ESPN’s final 2026 recruiting rankings.

Fox college football analyst Joel Klatt weighed in with his thoughts Monday on his podcast and YouTube show, spotlighting the five games on the Big Ten slate he expects will have the biggest impact on the conference race. Here was his list. This was an easy choice for the top of the list and shouldn't get much debate.

Michigan has some big names on the roster after the transfer portal closed. Here are three players we think aren’t being talked about enough:

CBS Sports projects Michigan as a 10-seed in the 2026 College Football Playoff, with losses to Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio State.

RJ Young: “Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, one of the most underrated coaches in the sport, will enter 2026 leading the winningest program in college football history with a quarterback talented enough to help the Wolverines contend for the Big Ten championship.”

Penn State opens the Matt Campbell era at home against Marshall and will face Michigan, USC, and Washington in 2026.