If you’re waking up today wondering what time does Michigan play Saturday, you’re probably looking for the football score or the channel for the big game. But here’s the reality: the 2025-26 football season just wrapped up for the Wolverines in Orlando. After a hard-fought battle against Texas in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Eve, the pads are off for a few months.
Don't close the tab yet, though. If you're a "Go Blue" lifer, there is plenty of action happening this Saturday, January 17, 2026. It's just happening on the hardwood and the tennis courts instead of the gridiron.
The Saturday Schedule: Michigan vs. Oregon
While the football team is officially in the off-season, the No. 4 Michigan Men’s Basketball team is currently tearing through the Big Ten. They are coming off a massive road win against Washington where Aday Mara basically owned the paint.
Michigan travels to Eugene to face the Oregon Ducks this Saturday.
Game Time: The tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM EST (which is 1:00 PM local time in Oregon).
How to Watch:
The game will be broadcast on FOX. If you’re streaming, you’ll find it on the Fox Sports app or any major service like YouTube TV or Fubo.
Honestly, this is a huge game. Oregon is always tough at home, and Michigan is trying to prove that their recent stumble against Wisconsin was just a fluke. If you’ve been following the season, you know Mara has been shooting roughly 90% from the field lately. It’s wild.
What About the Other Michigan Teams?
Maybe you weren't looking for basketball. Michigan athletics is a massive machine, and there are a couple of other things happening today that might be what you're actually after.
Tennis Season Kicks Off
The Michigan Men’s Tennis team actually opens their 2026 spring slate today. They’re hosting Cleveland State.
- Time: 1:00 PM EST
- Location: Varsity Tennis Center, Ann Arbor
Eastern Michigan Fans
I know, I know—different school. But a lot of people search for Michigan and actually want the Eagles. Eastern Michigan Men’s Basketball is playing Northern Illinois today.
- Time: 2:00 PM EST
- Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Why Is Everyone Asking About Football Right Now?
It’s a bit confusing because the College Football Playoff (CFP) is still technically going on, even though Michigan isn't in it this year.
We just saw the semifinals wrap up on January 8th and 9th. If you were hoping to see the Maize and Blue in the National Championship, you'll have to wait for the Monday, January 19th game between Indiana and Miami. Yeah, Indiana. It’s been a weird year for the Big Ten.
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Michigan finished their football season 9-4. Losing to Ohio State and then Texas in the bowl game left a sour taste in everyone's mouth, but the transfer portal is already heating up. Coach Moore is basically living on the recruiting trail right now.
Important Tips for Game Day
If you are planning to watch the basketball game at 4:00 PM, keep a few things in mind:
- Check the rankings: Michigan is currently No. 4 in the AP Poll. A loss today could slide them out of the top 5.
- Watch the bench: Will Tschetter has been a spark plug lately. When the starters get winded in the altitude or the travel, the bench production is what’s been winning games.
- The Oregon "Quack" Factor: Oregon’s court is notoriously distracting on TV. If you haven't seen it in a while, get ready for those pine tree silhouettes to mess with your depth perception.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
Since you're clearly eager for Michigan sports, here is what we know about the football return. The 2026 season opener is months away, but the schedule is already looking beefy. We’re looking at a home opener in late August.
Until then, Saturday is all about the basketball team’s hunt for a Big Ten title.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Set your DVR: If you can't be in front of the TV at 4:00 PM EST, make sure your Fox sports recording is set for the Oregon game.
- Check the Roster: Follow the latest on Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. on the official MGoBlue site to see if there are any late-breaking injury updates before tip-off.
- Post-Game Prep: Keep an eye out for the final score around 6:30 PM EST, as that's usually when the post-game press conferences start streaming.