Michigan Faces Michigan State for Paul Bunyan Trophy
The 119th meeting between the rivals takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026, with the Paul Bunyan Trophy on the line.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
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Michigan and Michigan State prepare to meet for the 119th time on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with the Paul Bunyan Trophy at stake. Michigan enters the game with the stronger record, while Michigan State is seeking an upset.
Why it matters
The rivalry carries long-standing significance for fans across Michigan, and the outcome of the game shapes bragging rights and the trophy's ownership. Michigan State's pursuit of an upset adds stakes for a program looking to change the trajectory of the series.
The 119th meeting between Michigan and Michigan State makes this one of the longest-running rivalries in college football. The extraction does not provide series win totals, player statistics, or recent efficiency metrics for either team.
The players
John Engler
Former Michigan governor and Michigan State alumnus who has long been associated with the Spartans.
John Wangler
Former Michigan quarterback who played for the Wolverines during his college career.
Mel Owens
Former Michigan player who competed for the Wolverines and is part of the program's alumni community.
The details
Michigan and Michigan State meet on Saturday for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, with Michigan entering as the team with the stronger record. Former Michigan governor and Michigan State alumnus John Engler, former Michigan quarterback John Wangler, and former Michigan player Mel Owens discussed the rivalry in a broadcast segment hosted by Kevin Dietz.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Broadcast segment discusses the rivalry ahead of Saturday's game.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Michigan and Michigan State play for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
Season Trajectory
The Paul Bunyan Trophy game is one of the longest-running rivalries in the Big Ten and shapes how each program's season is judged by its fanbase. Michigan's stronger record places it as the favorite, while a Michigan State win would reshape the competitive balance between the two programs for the coming years.
Fantasy managers and bettors tracking Michigan and Michigan State should note the game kicks off Saturday, November 7, 2026. Michigan's stronger record makes it the team favored to control the matchup, which bears on any wagers or lineups tied to the game.
The takeaway
The Paul Bunyan Trophy game remains a fixed marker in Michigan's sports calendar, and its 119th meeting carries weight for both fanbases. Readers following the series should watch the Saturday result for its effect on each program's season.
Further reading
For more on the state's programs and the matchup's history, see Michigan Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WJR-AM.
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