Michigan drops from AP Top 25 after narrow win over Western Michigan

Michigan dropped out of the AP Top 25 rankings following a narrow victory over Western Michigan at the Big House on September 5. Although the Wolverines secured a win to open their 2026 season, the performance failed to satisfy voters. The game concluded after a controversial officiating decision involving the game clock in the final moments. This result caused the team to fall from the No. 16 spot in the poll to unranked status. Michigan remains at home for its next matchup against Oklahoma, scheduled for noon on September 13. The AP voters signaled significant skepticism toward the program after the team struggled to distinguish itself against Western Michigan in the season opener.

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