Michigan Will Host Penn State Football This Weekend

The Wolverines host the Nittany Lions in a Big Ten clash set for October 17, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football

Michigan Will Host Penn State Football This Weekend

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Do you plan to watch your local university team play this weekend despite recent losses?

Michigan will face Penn State on October 17, 2026, in Ann Arbor with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Both teams head into the matchup looking to snap losing streaks, with Michigan dropping two straight games and Penn State suffering three consecutive losses.

Why it matters

The outcome of this game will be critical for both programs as they struggle to regain momentum in the Big Ten following multiple recent defeats. Michigan aims to exploit a vulnerable Penn State defense that has struggled significantly against both the run and the pass.

Penn State allows an average of 165 rushing yards per game and ranks second-worst in the Big Ten for run defense. This follows a performance where Northwestern gained 413 rushing yards and USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns against them.

The players

Bryce Underwood

He is the expected starting quarterback for the Michigan football program.

Tommy Carr

He is a quarterback for Michigan who may see increased playing time if the team's offensive performance falters.

Jayden Maiava

He is the USC quarterback who recorded 301 passing yards and three touchdowns against Penn State.

The details

Michigan plans to employ a downhill rushing attack to capitalize on Penn State defensive lapses observed in recent weeks. Bryce Underwood is expected to start at quarterback for Michigan, though Tommy Carr could see opportunities if the offensive performance remains inconsistent.

October 17, 2026: Michigan plays Penn State at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Season Trajectory

This game serves as a pivotal moment for both teams in the 2026 Big Ten football conference season as they attempt to reverse their current losing trends. The result will heavily influence the competitive balance within the conference standings as the season heads toward the final stretch.

Penn State enters this game ranking second-worst in the Big Ten for run defense, creating a significant opportunity for Michigan to exploit gaps in their front seven. Bettors should note Michigan is currently favored by six points by DraftKings Sportsbook for the afternoon contest.

The takeaway

Both teams are currently in the midst of multi-game losing streaks and under immense pressure to stabilize their offensive and defensive play. Establishing an early ground game will likely be the deciding factor for Michigan given the documented defensive struggles of the Penn State squad.