Full History Of Michigan Wolverines football In Timeline From 1900

1900: Charles A. Baird offer to Fielding H. Yost

After the 1900 season, Charles A. Baird, Michigan's first athletic director, offered Fielding H. Yost the head coaching position.

1900: Unsatisfactory results

In 1900, Michigan went 7-2-1, results that were considered unsatisfactory relative to the 10-0 season of 1898.

1901: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1901.

1902: Michigan Won Rose Bowl

In 1902, Michigan participated in and dominated the inaugural Rose Bowl game. Neil Snow scored five touchdowns in the game.

1902: Regents Field deemed inadequate, planning for Ferry Field begins

In 1902, Regents Field was deemed inadequate for the Michigan football team due to increasing popularity. Planning for the next home stadium, Ferry Field, began with donations from Dexter M. Ferry.

1902: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1902.

1903: Little Brown Jug Rivalry Began

In 1903, Michigan played a game against Minnesota that started the rivalry for the Little Brown Jug, the oldest rivalry trophy in college football.

1903: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1903.

1904: Undefeated season

In 1904, Michigan went undefeated at 10-0 and recorded a 130-0 defeat of West Virginia Mountaineers.

1904: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1904.

1905: Loss to Chicago Maroons

In 1905, Michigan's undefeated streak was halted by Amos Alonzo Stagg's Chicago Maroons, ending the "Point-a-Minute" years.

1906: Ferry Field constructed

In 1906, Ferry Field was constructed with a maximum temporary capacity of 18,000, thanks to a $30,000 donation from Dexter M. Ferry.

1906: Tied for Big 9 Title

In 1906, Michigan tied for another Big 9 title.

1907: Opted to go Independent

In 1907, Michigan opted to go independent for the season.

1908: Michigan Battered By Penn

In 1908, Michigan was battered by Penn, a team that went 11-0-1 that year.

1909: First Loss to Notre Dame

In 1909, Michigan suffered its first loss to Notre Dame, leading Yost to refuse to schedule another game against Notre Dame.

1910: Undefeated Season

In 1910, Michigan played their only undefeated season of the independent years, going 3-0-3.

1910: Michigan selected as national champions

Michigan was selected as national champions in 1910 by NCAA-designated major selectors.

1914: Ferry Field expanded to 21,000 capacity

In 1914, Ferry Field was expanded to a capacity of 21,000.

1916: Lost at least one game

From 1907 to 1916, Michigan lost at least one game every year, with the exception of 1910.

1917: Rejoined Big 9

In 1917, Michigan rejoined the Big 9, after which it was called the Big Ten.

1918: Michigan defeated Chicago Maroons

In 1918, Michigan played the first game against Stagg's Chicago Maroons since 1905. Michigan defeated the Maroons, 18–0.

1918: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1918.

1919: Season Record

In 1919, Michigan had a season record of 3-4.

1920: Season Record

In 1920, Michigan had a season record of 5-2.

1921: Big Ten Conference prohibited teams from participating in bowls

From the 1921 to 1945 seasons, the Big Ten Conference did not allow its teams to participate in bowls.

1921: Ferry Field expanded to 42,000 capacity

In 1921, Ferry Field was expanded to a capacity of 42,000; however, attendance often exceeded this capacity.

1921: Season Record

In 1921, Michigan had a season record of 5-1-1.

1921: Athletic director post

In 1921, Yost began his post as Michigan's athletic director.

1922: Spoiled Ohio Stadium Dedication

In 1922, Michigan spoiled the "Dedication Day" for Ohio Stadium, defeating the Buckeyes 19–0 and capturing a Big Ten title.

1923: Won Conference Championship

In 1923, Michigan went 8-0, winning another conference championship.

1923: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1923.

1924: Michigan and Illinois begin playing each other consecutively

From 1924 to 1996, Michigan and Illinois played each other 73 consecutive years.

1924: Unbeaten streak ended

In 1924, The 1924 Wolverines saw their 20-game unbeaten streak end at the hands of Red Grange.

1925: Michigan selected as national champions

Michigan was selected as national champions in 1925 by NCAA-designated major selectors.

1925: Memorable season due to Benny-to-Bennie combination

The 1925 season was memorable due to the presence of the famous "Benny-to-Bennie" combination, a reference to Benny Friedman and Bennie Oosterbaan.

1926: No contemporaneous selectors before 1926

Before 1926, there were generally no contemporaneous selectors.

1926: Benny-to-Bennie combination and national titles awarded

During 1926, the "Benny-to-Bennie" combination helped popularize passing the ball. Michigan was also retroactively awarded national titles for the 1901 and 1902 seasons.

1926: Yost Stepped Aside

In 1926, Yost stepped aside from coaching to focus on being Michigan's athletic director.

1926: Michigan Most Valuable Player Award

In 1926, the Michigan Most Valuable Player Award was established.

1926: Michigan selected as national champions

Michigan was selected as national champions in 1926 by NCAA-designated major selectors.

1927: Largest Halftime Deficit Since 1927

In 2020, Michigan hosted Wisconsin and suffered its largest halftime deficit at home since Michigan Stadium opened in 1927 (28–0).

1927: Michigan Stadium dedicated

Michigan Stadium was dedicated in 1927 during a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, drawing an over-capacity crowd of 84,401.

1928: Losing Record and Wieman Fired

In 1928, Michigan ended the season with a losing 3-4-1 record, and Tad Wieman was fired.

1929: Harry Kipke Took Over

In 1929, Harry Kipke, a former player under Yost, took over as head coach.

1932: Newman was a unanimous first-team All-American

In 1932, quarterback Harry Newman was a unanimous first-team All-American.

1932: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1932.

1933: Won National Championship

From 1930 to 1933, Kipke returned Michigan to prominence. During that stretch, Michigan won the Big Ten title every year and the national championship in 1932 and 1933.

1933: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1933.

1934: Controversial Game

The 1934 Michigan team only won one game, against Georgia Tech in a controversial contest where Michigan conceded to not allow Willis Ward, an African-American player for Michigan, to step on the field.

1935: Largest Home Loss Since 1935

In 2020, Michigan suffered its largest home loss (49–11) since 1935. It was also Harbaugh's first loss at Michigan Stadium to a team other than Michigan State or Ohio State.

1936: Finished in the top ten

In 1936, since the inception of the AP poll, Michigan has finished in the top ten a total of 39 times.

1937: Kipke's teams compiled a 12–22 record

After 1933, however, Kipke's teams compiled a 12–22 record from 1934 to 1937.

1938: Start of Successful Era

From 1938 to 1944, under coach Crisler, Michigan's football team achieved a record of 48–11–2. While lacking a national title during this period, it marked a significant turnaround for the team.

1938: Winged helmet debut

In 1938, Fritz Crisler introduced the iconic winged football helmet to help players spot receivers downfield. Michigan debuted the helmet in a game against Michigan State in 1938.

1938: Fritz Crisler Hired

In 1938, Michigan hired Fritz Crisler as Kipke's successor, also offering him the position of athletic director when Yost stepped down and the highest salary in college football.

1941: NCAA rule change

In 1941, the NCAA introduced a rule allowing players to enter or leave the game at any point, a rule that Fritz Crisler later leveraged in 1945 to introduce two-platoon football.

1944: End of Successful Era

From 1938 to 1944, under coach Crisler, Michigan's football team achieved a record of 48–11–2. While lacking a national title during this period, it marked a significant turnaround for the team.

1945: Big Ten Conference allowed teams to participate in bowls

From the 1921 to 1945 seasons, the Big Ten Conference did not allow its teams to participate in bowls.

1945: Introduction of two-platoon football

In 1945, coach Crisler introduced "two-platoon football" by dividing the team into offensive and defensive specialists. This strategic move, influenced by a 1941 NCAA rule, aimed to counter a strong Army team but shaped the future of football. Though Michigan lost the game 28-7, this innovation earned him the nickname "the father of two-platoon football."

1946: Big Ten Conference bowl participation rules

From the 1946 to 1974 seasons, only a conference champion or a surrogate representative was allowed to attend a bowl, the Rose Bowl, and no team could go two years in a row until the 1972 Rose Bowl, with the exception of Minnesota in 1961 and 1962.

1947: Consecutive seasons ranked in top three

2022 marked the first time since 1947 and 1948 that Michigan finished consecutive seasons ranked in the top three.

1947: Conference and National Title

In 1947, Crisler's final season, his team, nicknamed the "Mad Magicians" due to their innovative use of two-platoon football, secured a conference championship and a national title.

1947: National Title and Rose Bowl win

In 1947, Fritz Crisler led the Wolverines to a national title and Michigan's second Rose Bowl win.

1947: Michigan claims national championship

Michigan claims national championship in 1947.

1948: National championship since 1948

1997 Michigan's national championship was it's first since 1948.

1948: Consecutive seasons ranked in top three

2022 marked the first time since 1947 and 1948 that Michigan finished consecutive seasons ranked in the top three.

1948: Bennie Oosterbaan's First Year

In 1948, Bennie Oosterbaan's first year as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, he defeated Michigan State.

1948: Won National Championship

In 1948, Michigan won a national championship from the major wire-service.

1948: Rose Bowl Victory

In 1948, the "Mad Magicians" capped off their successful 1947 season with a decisive 49–0 victory over the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl.

1948: Michigan selected as national champions by major wire-service: AP Poll and/or Coaches' Poll

Michigan has been selected as national champions in 1948 by NCAA-designated major selectors, including the major wire-service: AP Poll and/or Coaches' Poll.

1949: Michigan Stadium expansion

In 1949, after World War II, Michigan Stadium was expanded to a capacity of 93,894 due to increased crowd sizes.

1950: "Snow Bowl" and Big Ten Win

The 1950 season ended with Michigan winning the "Snow Bowl" game 9–3 against Ohio State, which included 45 punts combined. This victory secured the Big Ten conference title and sent Michigan to the 1951 Rose Bowl.

1951: Start of decline

From 1951 to 1958, Michigan's football team began to decline under Oosterbaan, compiling a record of 42–26–2.

1953: Michigan State joins Big Ten Conference, Paul Bunyan Trophy introduced

Since Michigan State joined the Big Ten Conference in 1953, the two schools have competed annually for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

1955: Michigan Stadium capacity exceeds 100,000

In 1955, Michigan Stadium's capacity cracked the 100,000 mark by expanding to 101,001.

1958: Oosterbaan steps down

Under mounting pressure, Oosterbaan stepped down as coach after the 1958 season.

1959: Bump Elliott Takes Over

In 1959, Bump Elliott, a former Michigan player, succeeded Oosterbaan as head coach. He continued many of the struggles that began under Oosterbaan.

1959: Michigan Most Valuable Player Award

The Michigan Most Valuable Player Award was from 1926 to 1959.

1960: Louis B. Hyde Memorial Award

In 1960, the Louis B. Hyde Memorial Award was established.

1961: Big Ten Conference bowl participation rules

From the 1946 to 1974 seasons, only a conference champion or a surrogate representative was allowed to attend a bowl, the Rose Bowl, and no team could go two years in a row until the 1972 Rose Bowl, with the exception of Minnesota in 1961 and 1962.

1962: Big Ten Conference bowl participation rules

From the 1946 to 1974 seasons, only a conference champion or a surrogate representative was allowed to attend a bowl, the Rose Bowl, and no team could go two years in a row until the 1972 Rose Bowl, with the exception of Minnesota in 1961 and 1962.

1964: Big Ten Title

In 1964, Michigan won its only Big Ten title under Elliott, marking a significant achievement during his tenure.

1964: Michigan selected as national champions

Michigan was selected as national champions in 1964 by NCAA-designated major selectors.

1965: Rose Bowl Win

The 1964 Big Ten Title included a win over Oregon State in the 1965 Rose Bowl.

1967: First losing season since 1967

The 2008 season was the first losing campaign since 1967 for Michigan Wolverines football.

1968: Elliott Resigns

Following a 50-14 loss to Ohio State in 1968, Bump Elliott resigned as Michigan's head coach.

1969: Upset Victory over Ohio State

In 1969, Michigan, with a 7–2 record, shocked the undefeated and heavily favored Ohio State Buckeyes, winning 24–12. This victory launched The Ten Year War between coaches Hayes and Schembechler and sent Michigan to the Rose Bowl.

1970: Loss to Ohio State

In 1970, Michigan lost to Ohio State 20–9, finishing the season at 9–1 and failing to repeat the success of 1969.

1971: Undefeated Regular Season and Rose Bowl Loss

In 1971, Michigan had an undefeated regular season, finishing 11–1 after losing to the Stanford Indians in the Rose Bowl.

1972: Struggles Against Ohio State

From 1972 to 1975, Michigan failed to win a game against Ohio State, who was powered by running back Archie Griffin.

1972: Big Ten Conference bowl participation rules

From the 1946 to 1974 seasons, only a conference champion or a surrogate representative was allowed to attend a bowl, the Rose Bowl, and no team could go two years in a row until the 1972 Rose Bowl, with the exception of Minnesota in 1961 and 1962.

1973: Controversial Rose Bowl Vote

In 1973, Michigan tied Ohio State, but missed out on a Rose Bowl appearance due to a controversial vote that favored Ohio State.

1973: Michigan selected as national champions

Michigan was selected as national champions in 1973 by NCAA-designated major selectors.

1973: Tie Against Ohio State

The only year in which Michigan didn't lose its last game of the season was the 1973 tie against Ohio State.

1974: Big Ten Conference bowl participation rules

From the 1946 to 1974 seasons, only a conference champion or a surrogate representative was allowed to attend a bowl, the Rose Bowl, and no team could go two years in a row until the 1972 Rose Bowl, with the exception of Minnesota in 1961 and 1962.

1974: Michigan misses bowl game invitation

In 2008, Michigan missed a bowl game invitation for the first time since 1974.

1975: Attendance Record

During the 1975 season, Michigan began a record streak of games with over 100,000 people in attendance, starting with a game against the Purdue Boilermakers.

1975: Third season since 1975 missing a bowl game

The 2014 season marked only the third season since 1975 in which Michigan missed a bowl game.

1976: Michigan's Dominance

From 1976 to 1978, Michigan consistently beat Ohio State, went to the Rose Bowl, and posted a 10–2 record each year.

1976: Michigan selected as national champions

Michigan was selected as national champions in 1976 by NCAA-designated major selectors.

1978: End of The Ten Year War

After the 1978 season, Woody Hayes was fired for punching an opposing player during the 1978 Gator Bowl, ending The Ten Year War. Michigan's regular season performance declined, but its post season performance improved.

1978: First Team to Win Back-To-Back Games as Double-Digit Underdogs Since 1978

Michigan became the first team since 1978 to win back-to-back games as double-digit underdogs on December 31, 2024.

1979: Memorable Game Against Indiana

The 1979 season featured a memorable game against Indiana, which concluded with a game-winning touchdown pass from John Wangler to Anthony Carter with just six seconds remaining. Michigan went 8-4, losing to North Carolina in the 1979 Gator Bowl.

1980: Rose Bowl Win

In 1980, Michigan achieved a 10–2 record and secured their first Rose Bowl victory under Schembechler, defeating Washington 23–6.

1980: Carr joins Michigan

Lloyd Carr joined Michigan as an assistant in 1980.

1981: Start of a Successful Run

From 1981 through 1989, Michigan achieved a record of 80–27–2, winning four Big Ten titles and going to a bowl game every year.

1981: Bluebonnet Bowl Win

In 1981, Michigan posted a 9–3 record, leading to Schembechler's second bowl win in the 1981 Bluebonnet Bowl.

1982: Big Ten Championship

In 1982, Michigan, led by three-time All-American wide receiver Anthony Carter, won the Big Ten championship.

1983: Rose Bowl Loss

Michigan fell to the UCLA Bruins in the 1983 Rose Bowl.

1984: Worst Season Under Schembechler

In 1984, Michigan had their worst season under Schembechler, finishing 6–6 with a loss to national champion BYU in the 1984 Holiday Bowl.

1985: Rise with Jim Harbaugh

In 1985, Michigan, led by new quarterback Jim Harbaugh, started the season with a 5–0 record, reaching a No. 2 ranking.

1985: Michigan selected as national champions

Michigan was selected as national champions in 1985 by NCAA-designated major selectors.

1986: Big Ten Win, Rose Bowl Loss

In 1986, Michigan won the Big Ten with an 11–2 record, but lost to the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 1987 Rose Bowl.

1987: Tough Times After Harbaugh

Following the departure of Jim Harbaugh after 1986, Michigan had a tougher season in 1987, finishing with an 8–4 record.

1987: First loss to the Hoosiers since the 1987 season

In 2020, Michigan lost to Indiana 38-21, marking their first defeat against the Hoosiers since the 1987 season.

1988: Michigan's longest streak victory over Ohio State

From 1988 to 1991, Michigan's longest streak victory over Ohio State began.

1988: Big Ten Title

Michigan bounced back in 1988, winning the Big Ten title outright with a 9–2–1 record and a trip to the Rose Bowl.

1989: Big Ten Title

Michigan continued their success in 1989, again winning the Big Ten title outright with a 10–2 record and another trip to the Rose Bowl.

1990: Moeller's First Season

In Gary Moeller's first season, 1990, Michigan had a 9–3 record, tying for the Big Ten championship but missing a Rose Bowl bid.

1991: Michigan's longest streak victory over Ohio State

From 1988 to 1991, Michigan's longest streak victory over Ohio State ended.

1991: Desmond Howard Wins Heisman

In 1991, Desmond Howard had an outstanding season, winning the Heisman Trophy.

1992: Rose Bowl Victory

The 1992 team, led by quarterback Elvis Grbac, posted a 9–0–3 record, defeating Washington in the 1993 Rose Bowl.

1993: 8-4 Record

In 1993, Moeller led Michigan to an 8–4 record.

1993: Michigan and Penn State rivalry begins

The rivalry between Michigan and Penn State began when the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten in 1993.

1994: "The Miracle at Michigan"

The 1994 season included an early-season loss to Colorado known as "The Miracle at Michigan," marked by a Hail Mary pass. Gary Moeller was forced out after the 1994 season due to an incident.

1994: Louis B. Hyde Memorial Award

The Louis B. Hyde Memorial Award was from 1960 to 1994.

1995: Hoke served as an assistant at Michigan

Brady Hoke served as an assistant at Michigan under Lloyd Carr from 1995 to 2002.

1995: Carr Named Head Coach

In 1995, Lloyd Carr was appointed as the interim head coach, later becoming the 17th head coach after an 8–2 start. Michigan finished the season at 9-4.

1995: Bo Schembechler Award

In 1995, the Bo Schembechler Award was established.

1996: Michigan and Illinois end playing each other consecutively

From 1924 to 1996, Michigan and Illinois played each other 73 consecutive years.

1996: Michigan Stadium loses "largest stadium" title

In 1996, Michigan Stadium temporarily lost the title of "largest stadium" to Neyland Stadium of the Tennessee Volunteers.

1997: Charles Woodson won Heisman Trophy

In 1997, Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy.

1997: Won National Championship

In 1997, Lloyd Carr won a national championship as head coach.

1997: Undefeated Season and National Championship

In 1997, Michigan had an undefeated season, led by Charles Woodson, allowing only 9.5 points per game, and secured its first national championship since 1948 by defeating Washington State in the 1998 Rose Bowl.

1997: Michigan selected as national champions by major wire-service: AP Poll and/or Coaches' Poll

Michigan has been selected as national champions in 1997 by NCAA-designated major selectors, including the major wire-service: AP Poll and/or Coaches' Poll.

1998: Woodson Drafted

In 1998, Charles Woodson, after winning the Heisman Trophy, was selected 4th overall in the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

1998: Michigan Stadium regains "largest stadium" title

In 1998, Michigan Stadium recaptured the title of "largest stadium" with another expansion to 107,501.

1998: Big Ten Champions

In 1998, with Tom Brady as quarterback, Michigan achieved a 10–3 record and repeated as Big Ten champions.

1999: Lost out on conference championship

In 1999, Michigan finished with a 10–2 record but lost out on the conference championship to the Wisconsin Badgers.

2000: Tie for Big Ten Championship

In 2000, Drew Henson led Michigan to a 9–3 record and a tie for the Big Ten championship.

2000: Michigan-Ohio State rivalry ranked greatest by ESPN

In 2000, ESPN ranked the Michigan-Ohio State game as the greatest North American sports rivalry ever.

2000: First win at Ohio Stadium since 2000

In 2022, the Wolverines defeated 11-0 No. 2 Ohio State 45–23 in Columbus, marking their first win at Ohio Stadium since 2000.

2001: Tressel Upsets Michigan

In 2001, new Ohio State coach Jim Tressel upset Michigan 26–20, following another last-second loss to Michigan State known as "Clockgate." Despite these setbacks, Michigan went 8–4 with an appearance in the 2002 Florida Citrus Bowl.

2002: Hoke served as an assistant at Michigan

Brady Hoke served as an assistant at Michigan under Lloyd Carr from 1995 to 2002.

2002: Loss to Ohio State

In 2002, under Navarre, Michigan had a 10–3 record, but included another loss to Ohio State, who went on to win the national championship.

2003: Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl Appearance

In 2003, Carr, with John Navarre and Chris Perry, led Michigan to a 10–3 record, a Big Ten championship, and an appearance in the 2004 Rose Bowl.

2003: First Outright Big Ten Championship Since 2003

In 2021, the No. 2 ranked Wolverines defeated the Hawkeyes 42–3 in the Big Ten Championship Game to win their first outright Big Ten Championship since 2003.

2004: Rose Bowl Appearance

In 2003, Carr, with John Navarre and Chris Perry, led Michigan to an appearance in the 2004 Rose Bowl.

2004: Big Ten Championship

In 2004, Carr turned to Chad Henne at quarterback, leading Michigan to a 9–3 record, a tie for the Big Ten championship and a trip to the 2005 Rose Bowl, although the season again included a loss to Ohio State.

2005: Rose Bowl Appearance

In 2004, Michigan tied for another Big Ten championship and earned a trip to the 2005 Rose Bowl, but the season again included a loss to Ohio State.

2005: Michigan struggles to make a bowl game

In 2005, Michigan had a difficult season, finishing with a 7-5 record. The season concluded with a loss to Ohio State. The team struggled to secure a bowl game invitation.

2006: Michigan propelled to No. 2 rankings

In 2006, Michigan started the season with tempered expectations but after defeating Notre Dame 47-21 and starting the season 11-0, the team ascended to the No. 2 ranking before facing No. 1 Ohio State. Bo Schembechler passed away the day before "The Game". Ohio State won the game 42-39.

2007: First win over Michigan State since 2007

During the 2012 season, Michigan defeated in-state rival Michigan State for the first time since 2007. The win was the 900th in program history.

2007: Michigan lost to USC in the Rose Bowl

In 2007, Michigan concluded the 2006 season with a loss to USC in the Rose Bowl. The team finished the season with an 11-2 record.

2007: Michigan loses to Appalachian State and Lloyd Carr announces retirement

In 2007, despite high expectations and a No. 5 preseason ranking, Michigan lost to Appalachian State. After a loss to Ohio State later in the season, Lloyd Carr announced his retirement as Michigan's head coach after the bowl game.

2007: Michigan Stadium renovation authorized

In 2007, the Board of Regents authorized a $226 million renovation to add a new press box, 83 luxury boxes, and 3,200 club seats to Michigan Stadium.

2007: First bowl win since 2007

In his first season, Brady Hoke led the Wolverines to a bowl win in the Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech. This was the program's first bowl win since the 2007 season.

2008: Michigan defeats Florida in Capital One Bowl

In 2008, Lloyd Carr coached his final game for Michigan in the Capital One Bowl, where the Wolverines defeated the defending national champion Florida Gators 41-35.

2008: Michigan misses bowl game

In 2008, Michigan missed a bowl game ending a 33-year streak.

2008: Disappointing Season

In 2008, Rich Rodriguez's arrival as head coach marked significant changes, including a new spread offense. The season was disappointing, with a 3-9 record and no bowl game invitation, marking the first losing season since 1967 and missing a bowl game since 1974.

2009: Illinois last win versus Michigan

Illinois last win versus Michigan since 2009 until 2024.

2009: Detroit Free Press accuses team of NCAA violations

In 2009, before the season began, the Detroit Free Press accused the Michigan Wolverines football team of violating NCAA practice time limits. The season ended with a 5-7 record and missing a bowl game.

January 11, 2011: Michigan hires Brady Hoke as head coach

On January 11, 2011, Michigan announced the hiring of Brady Hoke as the new head coach of the football team.

2011: Michigan Football Legends Program

Beginning in 2011, previously retired numbers of "Michigan Football Legends" were assigned to and worn by players selected by the head coach.

2011: Lights installed at Michigan Stadium

In 2011, lights were installed at Michigan Stadium at the cost of $1.8 million, allowing Michigan to play its first night game at home against Notre Dame.

2011: First win against Ohio State since 2011

In 2021, Michigan beat Ohio State 42-27, giving the Wolverines their first win against the Buckeyes since 2011.

2013: Michigan finishes with a 7-6 record

In the 2013 campaign, Michigan finished with a 7–6 record, including a 3–5 record in Big Ten play and a loss to Kansas State in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl 31–14.

December 2, 2014: Brady Hoke fired as head coach

On December 2, 2014, Brady Hoke was fired as the head coach after four seasons.

December 30, 2014: Jim Harbaugh Hired

On December 30, 2014, Michigan hired Jim Harbaugh as head coach.

July 2015: Discontinuation of the Legends Program

In July 2015, the Legends program was discontinued, and the numbers again permanently retired.

2015: Jim Harbaugh hired as head coach

In 2015, Jim Harbaugh became the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. In his first season, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 10-3 record.

2015: Michigan possesses Little Brown Jug trophy

Michigan has possessed the Little Brown Jug trophy since 2015.

2016: Michigan wins Citrus Bowl

In 2016, Jim Harbaugh led the Michigan Wolverines to a 41-7 win over the Florida Gators in the Citrus Bowl.

2016: Wolverines lose to Florida State in Orange Bowl

In 2016, the Wolverines started the season strong, reaching No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but lost to Iowa and Ohio State, ending with a loss to Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Jabrill Peppers was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing fifth.

2017: Wolverines finish 8-5

In 2017, the Michigan Wolverines lost many key players and finished the regular season with an 8-4 record, losing to rivals Michigan State and Ohio State.

2018: Wolverines upset by rival Ohio State

In 2018, Michigan started with a loss to Notre Dame but then had ten consecutive wins. However, the Wolverines were upset by Ohio State, who scored a record 62 points against Michigan. They then lost to Florida in the Peach Bowl, finishing at 10-3.

2018: Michigan becomes the only Big Ten Conference team to lose its bowl game

In the 2017-2018 bowl season, Michigan lost to South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, becoming the only team in the Big Ten Conference to lose its bowl game. They finished the year 8-5.

2019: Wolverines end season with a record of 9-4

During the 2019 season, the Wolverines lost to Wisconsin and Penn State on the road, but beat rivals Notre Dame and Michigan State. They lost to Ohio State and then to Alabama in the Citrus Bowl, ending the season with a record of 9-4.

2019: Michigan defeats Notre Dame

In 2019, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame 45–14. The two teams last played in 2019.

2020: COVID-19 impacts Michigan's season

The 2020 season was delayed due to COVID-19. Michigan had a 49-24 win against Minnesota, but lost to Michigan State and Indiana. They suffered their largest halftime deficit at home since 1927 and their largest home loss since 1935. Michigan was winless at home and their final three games were canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. They did not play in a postseason bowl game.

January 8, 2021: Jim Harbaugh agrees to contract extension

On January 8, 2021, Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan administration agreed to a contract extension with a pay-cut through 2025.

2021: Michigan wins Big Ten Championship

In 2021, Michigan started unranked but surged into the rankings, winning their first seven games. They beat Ohio State, earning a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, where they defeated Iowa to win their first outright Big Ten Championship since 2003. They lost to Georgia in the Orange Bowl. Aidan Hutchinson finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

2021: Creation of George Jewett Trophy

In 2021, the universities of Michigan and Northwestern announced the creation of a new rivalry trophy, the George Jewett Trophy, to be awarded to the game's winner.

2022: Michigan repeats as Big Ten Champions

In 2022, Michigan won their first 12 games, including a win over Ohio State in Columbus, and secured their second straight Big Ten East Division championship. They defeated Purdue to repeat as conference champions and earn a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. They lost to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl, finishing 13-1. Blake Corum finished seventh in the voting for the 2022 Heisman Trophy.

2022: Wolverines possess the trophy since 2022

The Wolverines have possessed the trophy since 2022

2023: Michigan defeats Penn State in Beaver Stadium

In 2023, Michigan defeated Penn State 24-15 in Beaver Stadium, with both teams ranked in the top ten in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. This victory propelled the Wolverines to a national championship that season.

2023: Won National Championship

In 2023, Michigan won a national championship from the major wire-service.

2023: Harbaugh suspended, Wolverines win Big Ten Championship and National Championship

In 2023, the Michigan Wolverines football team experienced a season marked by both adversity and triumph. The season started with Jim Harbaugh serving a university-imposed three-game suspension for recruiting violations, compounded by an NCAA investigation into alleged sign-stealing. Despite the controversy, Sherrone Moore stepped in as acting head coach, leading the team to key victories including a road win against Penn State, a record-setting 1,000th win against Maryland, and a third consecutive win against Ohio State. After Harbaugh's return, Michigan secured a 26–0 victory over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game, earning them the No. 1 ranking and a playoff berth. They went on to defeat Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship, finishing the season with a program-best 15 wins and zero losses.

2023: Michigan Stadium renovation for 2023-2024 season

Michigan Stadium underwent a renovation for the 2023–2024 season, installing new screens and LED stadium lighting with color-changing fixtures.

2023: Michigan selected as national champions by major wire-service: AP Poll and/or Coaches' Poll

Michigan has been selected as national champions in 2023 by NCAA-designated major selectors, including the major wire-service: AP Poll and/or Coaches' Poll.

January 26, 2024: Sherrone Moore Promoted

On January 26, 2024, Sherrone Moore was promoted to head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

May 15, 2024: Announced schedules

Announced schedules as of May 15, 2024.

June 6, 2024: Content updated

The content was updated on June 6, 2024.

2024: Michigan inductees into the College Football Hall of Fame

As of 2024, Michigan inductees into the College Football Hall of Fame are listed.

2024: Michigan retains Paul Bunyan Trophy

In 2024, Michigan retained the Paul Bunyan Trophy with a 24–17 win over the Spartans.

2024: Michigan Stadium renovation for 2023-2024 season

Michigan Stadium underwent a renovation for the 2023–2024 season, installing new screens and LED stadium lighting with color-changing fixtures.

2024: Illinois defeats Michigan

Michigan and Illinois last played in 2024, with the Fighting Illini defeating the Wolverines 21-7 in Champaign, that university’s first win versus Michigan since 2009.

2024: Michigan last plays Minnesota

Michigan and Minnesota last played in 2024, with Michigan leading the overall series 78–25–3.

2024: Michigan wins fourth consecutive game against Ohio State

The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes last played in 2024, with Michigan winning a fourth consecutive game, holding a 62–51–6 advantage in the all-time series.

2024: Big Ten conference divisions dissolved

The two teams playing each season in the Big Ten east division, before the conference divisions were dissolved in 2024.

December 31, 2024: Michigan defeats Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl

On December 31, 2024, Sherrone Moore led the Michigan Wolverines to a 19-13 victory over No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, marking his first postseason win as head coach. Entering as 16.5-point underdogs, Michigan became the only program in college football history to defeat Alabama twice in the same calendar year. They also became the first team since 1978 to win back-to-back games as double-digit underdogs.