Michigan at Minnesota - 2026 Matchup Preview
Michigan logo Michigan Wolverines at Minnesota Golden GophersMinnesota logo
Saturday, October 3rd 2026 (12:00 PM EDT)
Huntington Bank Stadium - Minneapolis, MN

 
Wolverines (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Kyle Whittingham (0 - 0)
Avg Score : 28 - 20 (26 - 24 on Road)
Record Prediction: 0 - 0 (#1)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: ) (Good: ) (Avg: ) (Bad: 0)
MINN is playing their 5th straight game
MICH is playing their 5th straight game
Our Line: Michigan -9  (SP+ MICH -11)
Projected Score: MICH: 28 - MINN: 19 (47)
MICH Win prob: 74% | Cover: 48%
MICH Travel: 509 miles, 1 hrs ahead
Golden Gophers (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach P. J. Fleck (66 - 44)
Avg Score : 23 - 23 (30 - 13 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 0 - 0 (#1)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: ) (Good: ) (Avg: ) (Bad: 0)
 
Michigan's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5 Michigan vs Western Michigan-23.5
Sat 9/12 Michigan vs Oklahoma+2
Sat 9/19 Michigan vs UTEP-31
Sat 9/26 Michigan vs Iowa-4
Sat 10/3 Michigan at Minnesota-9
BYE WEEK
Sat 10/17 Michigan vs Penn State-3
Sat 10/24 Michigan vs Indiana+11
Sat 10/31 Michigan at Rutgers-14
Sat 11/7 Michigan vs Michigan State-20
Sat 11/14 Michigan at Oregon+12.5
Sat 11/21 Michigan vs UCLA-20
Sat 11/28 Michigan at Ohio State+16.5

Total: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Played: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Future: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Wins: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:
Losses: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:

Predictions for Michigan's Schedule
Minnesota's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 9/3 Minnesota vs Eastern Illinois-27.5
Sat 9/12 Minnesota vs Mississippi State-0
Sat 9/19 Minnesota vs Akron-22
Sat 9/26 Minnesota at Washington+17
Sat 10/3 Minnesota vs Michigan+9
Sat 10/10 Minnesota at Purdue-5
BYE WEEK
Sat 10/24 Minnesota vs Iowa+7.5
Sat 10/31 Minnesota at Indiana+27.5
Sat 11/7 Minnesota vs UCLA-8.5
Sat 11/14 Minnesota at Penn State+13.5
Sat 11/21 Minnesota vs Northwestern-3
Sat 11/28 Minnesota at Wisconsin-2

Total: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Played: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Future: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Wins: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:
Losses: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:

Predictions for Minnesota's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
MICH#54 (.19)44% (47)27.549% (13)3.29 (16)21140% (89)1873.64 (75)#52 (.12)42% (78)20.441% (58)44% (105)3.79 (80)39.11.31.4
MINN#94 (.13)40% (101)2339% (110)2.62 (123)10341% (77)1903.79 (60)#97 (.2)45% (113)22.943% (82)47% (124)3.84 (84)310.71.2
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
MICH0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
MINN0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
MICH Offense1327.526.444.4%3.641.3203982111875.554%44%49%40%12%.19
MINN Defense1322.91345.2%3.841.2 - - - - - 46%53%43%47%18%.2
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
MICH Defense1320.424.442.3%3.791.4 - - - - - 46%52%41%44%17%.12
MINN Offense132330.139.9%3.790.7172931031903.641%57%39%41%16%.13

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Michigan1329:4720.244%39%4.439.11.31.45.82.2031.1
Minnesota1329:2317.140%43%3.8310.71.27.13230.7
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
MICH Offense1354% (33)49% (13)38.2211.25.533 (23).23 (17)3.29 (16)77% (32)8% (27)0.98 (62)
MINN Defense1346% (19)43% (82) - - - - .14 (92)2.86 (63)73% (80)13% (6)0.98 (83)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
MICH Defense1346% (23)41% (58) - - - - .07 (49)2.68 (28)59% (11)10% (52)0.88 (23)
MINN Offense1341% (126)39% (110)28.8103.53.615 (88).02 (116)2.62 (123)73% (61)9% (44)0.89 (105)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
MICH Offense1344% (103)40% (89)15.526.2186.87.11211 (106)10 (20).2 (96)1.5 (107)30% (51)30% (74).25 (91)4% (20)1.7 (132)
MINN Defense1353% (119)47% (124) - - - - - - 9 (38).25 (73)1.5 (35)30% (102)36% (129).42 (122)5% (122)2 (54)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
MICH Defense1352% (116)44% (105) - - - - - - 13 (4).22 (57)1.3 (3)30% (98)33% (111).4 (114)7% (38)2 (69)
MINN Offense1357% (11)41% (77)19.330.7189.96.29.819 (61)7 (34).22 (82)1.4 (121)33% (96)28% (94).2 (111)7% (114)1.8 (126)

Michigan's Power Ratings
Michigan's Power Rating: 18.45  #16
Michigan's Offense Rating: 20.68  #15
Michigan's Defense Rating: 7.23  #17
2026 Talent Rating: 928.00  #24
Blue Chip Ratio: 0%  #24
Michigan's 2026 Expected Record: 0.0 - 0.0
Michigan's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 12.4  #25
Michigan's Offense SP+ Rating: 30.9  #48
Michigan's Defense SP+ Rating: 17.0  #15

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 896.78
Average Power Five Talent: 885.22
Average FBS Talent: 707.18

Power Ratings Matchup
Michigan: 18.45   Minnesota: 6.47

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Michigan: 12.4   Minnesota: 1.5




Minnesota's Power Ratings
Minnesota's Power Rating: 6.47  #37
Minnesota's Offense Rating: 14.80  #37
Minnesota's Defense Rating: 13.36  #41
2026 Talent Rating: 1010.00  #12
Blue Chip Ratio: 0  #24
Minnesota's 2026 Expected Record: 0.0 - 0.0
Minnesota's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 1.5  #70
Minnesota's Offense SP+ Rating: 23.8  #94
Minnesota's Defense SP+ Rating: 20.8  #33

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 896.78
Average Power Five Talent: 885.22
Average FBS Talent: 707.18


Michigan Scoring
Offense: 27.5 PPG
Offense on Road: 26.4
Defense: 20.4 PPG
Defense on Road: 24.4

Michigan's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Michigan 28
Minnesota 19

Projected Total Points: 47
Minnesota Scoring
Offense: 23 PPG
Offense at Home: 30.1
Defense: 22.9 PPG
Defense at Home: 13

Minnesota's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202409/28Michigan27Minnesota24Michigan -10.5Minnesota34.5Over
202310/07Minnesota10Michigan52Michigan -18.5Michigan46.0Over
202010/24Minnesota24Michigan49Michigan -3Michigan53.0Over
201711/04Michigan33Minnesota10Michigan -16Michigan39.5Over
201510/31Minnesota26Michigan29Michigan -10Minnesota39.5Over
201409/27Michigan14Minnesota30Michigan -9.5Minnesota0
201310/05Michigan42Minnesota13Michigan -21Michigan0
201211/03Minnesota13Michigan35
201110/01Michigan58Minnesota0
200811/08Minnesota6Michigan29
200710/27Michigan34Minnesota10
200609/30Minnesota14Michigan28
200510/08Michigan20Minnesota23
200410/09Michigan27Minnesota24
200310/10Minnesota35Michigan38
200211/09Minnesota24Michigan41
200111/10Michigan31Minnesota10
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Minnesota235 Overs
Michigan1540 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams7 - 103 - 42 - 21 - 2
Road Teams10 - 74 - 32 - 12 - 2

(#16) MICH at (#37) MINN
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatMICHMINN
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #16 #37
SP+SP+ #25 #70
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #24 #12
Blue ChipsBC% #24 #24
Michigan on Offense
Run heavy Offense 55%, Pass: 43%
CategoryCat
MICH OffMINN Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #47 #113
ExplosiveExp #119 #74
PPAPPA #54 #97
PowerPwr #15 #41
SP+SP+ #48 #33
Pts POPPO #75 #84
HavocHav #13 #29
Michigan Run Game
Run heavy Offense 55%, Pass: 43%
CategoryCat
MICH OffMINN Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #13 #82
Run ExplRExp #62 #83
PPAExp #17 #92
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #16 #63
Stuff RateStuff #9 #55
TackleTak - NR
Michigan Pass Game
Run heavy Offense 55%, Pass: 43%
CategoryCat
MICH OffMINN Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #89 #124
Pass ExplPExl #107 #35
PPAExp #96 #73
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #27 #6
DB HavocDB #20 #122
Minnesota on Offense
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCatMINN OffMICH Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #101 #78
ExplosiveExp #99 #10
PPAPPA #94 #52
PowerPwr #37 #17
SP+SP+ #94 #15
Pts POPPO #60 #80
HavocHav #74 #46
Minnesota Run Game
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCat
MINN OffMICH Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #110 #58
Run ExplRExp #105 #23
PPAExp #116 #49
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #123 #28
Stuff RateStuff #94 #85
TackleTak - NR
Minnesota Pass Game
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCatMINN OffMICH Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #77 #105
Pass ExplPExl #121 #3
PPAExp #82 #57
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #44 #52
DB HavocDB #114 #38
Program Comparison
MINN 5 Year Profile: Declining Below Avg P4
'26 Profile: Down to Top G5

MICH 5 Year Profile: Consistent Top 25 Contenders
'26 Profile: Remains Top 25 Contenders

Weather Forecast
Playing in Huntington Bank Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
Previous Matchups
Michigan beat Minnesota in 2024 (27-24)
Michigan beat Minnesota in 2023 (52-10)

  
MICH's OC Jason Beck (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Bryce Underwood20233560%24281197.2
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Tr)448254%488126.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Jordan Marshall150932106.265
Bryce Underwood8839264.537
Tomas O'Meara118307.537
Smith Snowden (Tr)84015.09
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Andrew Marsh45651414.569
JJ Buchanan (Tr)26427516.460
Zack Marshall16199112.437
Channing Goodwin12148012.339

View Michigan's Full Roster

MICH's DC Jay Hill (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Chris Bracy (Tr)717019
John Henry Daley45181201
Smith Snowden (Tr)372009
Jyaire Hill363105
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
John Henry Daley45181201
Dominic Nichols196210
Max Alford (Tr)212110
Jyaire Hill363105
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Chris Bracy (Tr)717019
Smith Snowden (Tr)372009
Jyaire Hill363105

MINN's OC Greg Harbaugh Jr. (been OC for 3 years)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Drake Lindsey24638963%23821866.1
Michael Merdinger (Tr)214151%350108.5
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Darius Taylor14367044.771
TJ Thomas Jr. (Tr)9138464.244
Grant Washington2113206.316
Cortez LeGrant2513105.222
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Javon Tracy37454612.345
Jalen Smith28419415.078
Noah Jennings (Tr)23323014.036
Zion Steptoe (Tr)21272013.042

View Minnesota's Full Roster

MINN's DC Danny Collins (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Maverick Baranowski1029331
Andrew Marshall (Tr)614130
Kerry Brown564003
John Nestor506006
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Anthony Smith38181373
Karter Menz329742
T.J. Bush3911541
Jaxon Howard296410
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
John Nestor506006
Kerry Brown564003
Anthony Smith38181373