League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Michigan football drops in SP+ rankings after narrow Western Michigan win

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 7:37 PM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Michigan football drops in SP+ rankings after narrow Western Michigan win

Summary

Michigan opened its 2026 college football season with a 13-12 victory over Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium on September 5. Despite the win, the Wolverines fell 12 spots in the latest ESPN SP+ rankings, moving to No. 26 nationally with a rating of 12.2. The advanced metrics, which evaluate offensive, defensive, and special teams efficiency, currently project a 6-6 finish for the team. This result places Michigan behind six other opponents on its 2026 schedule, including Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Penn State. The team prepares for a matchup against No. 10 Oklahoma on September 12. Western Michigan saw its own ranking improve by nine spots to reach No. 81 following the close contest.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13-12 in the season opener on September 5.
•The Wolverines dropped 12 spots to No. 26 in the ESPN SP+ rankings.
•SP+ projections currently forecast a 6-6 final record for Michigan.
•Michigan faces No. 10 Oklahoma in its next game on September 12.
•Western Michigan climbed to No. 81 in the national rankings after the game.

Latest Updates

7:37 PMYahoo Sports — Michigan Football plummets in ESPN SP+ after narrow win vs WMU

What they're saying

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Michigan Football won ugly vs Western Michigan on Saturday and dropped significantly in ESPN’s SP+ rankings as a result. Here’s where the Wolverines stand after Week 1:
— Yahoo Sports

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