Jackman Named Honorary Captain for Michigan Game
Actor Hugh Jackman will serve as honorary football captain when Michigan hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
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Actor Hugh Jackman has been named honorary football captain for the University of Michigan, announced in a video he posted in University of Michigan gear. Michigan Football shared the clip on its social media accounts.
Why it matters
The honorary role adds a high-profile figure to the rivalry matchup between Michigan and Michigan State, drawing attention to the game for Ann Arbor fans and the broader college football audience.
The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Michigan Stadium for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, as confirmed by the team's announcement. Jackman's own comments indicate he has not yet received the playbook, and his specific pregame duties remain unspecified.
The players
Hugh Jackman
Australian actor best known for playing Wolverine in the X-Men film franchise and for his stage and film work.
University of Michigan Football
The football program of the University of Michigan, a member of the Big Ten Conference based in Ann Arbor.
The details
Hugh Jackman appeared in University of Michigan gear in a video announcing he is the honorary football captain for the Michigan game. Michigan Football posted the clip to its social media accounts, and Jackman separately commented on Instagram that he is stoked for the role.
Timeline
Friday, November 7, 2026: Jackman's honorary captain video was posted.
November 7, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: Michigan and Michigan State kick off at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Season Trajectory
Celebrity honorary captain roles have become a recurring way for college programs to add visibility to marquee games. This announcement places the Michigan-Michigan State matchup in that tradition, drawing outside attention to a rivalry game.
Fans attending or following the November 7 game can expect Jackman's honorary captain role to be part of the pregame and on-field presentation. The matchup for the Paul Bunyan Trophy is the key contest for both programs that day.
The takeaway
Celebrity honorary roles can raise a game's profile without changing its competitive stakes, so the rivalry itself remains the main draw for Michigan fans. Readers following the matchup should watch for the kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on November 7.
What happens next
The Michigan vs. Michigan State game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Michigan Stadium on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more college football coverage, see Football and its latest Ann Arbor game-day news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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