Dan Wetzel suggests Michigan as a surprise contender for 2026 season

ESPN analyst Dan Wetzel has identified Michigan football as a potential surprise team for the 2026 season. Wetzel discussed this during the ESPN College Football podcast, mentioning that the Wolverines, expected to be ranked, have not generated significant offseason buzz. He pointed to the talent on the roster and the impact new head coach Kyle Whittingham could have on reviving the program. Wetzel noted the coaching change might be overlooked in current preseason assessments. The Wolverines will face a challenging schedule, necessitating unexpected victories for a better postseason result than in recent years. Whittingham will address media at the Big Ten media days in Chicago, with fall camp beginning shortly thereafter.

• 5:20 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN analyst picks Michigan as a surprise contender