The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of all University of Michigan athletic activities during the spring of 2020, including the football team's annual spring practice. The pandemic also led to cancellation of the team's international trip for the first time since 2016. On July 9, the Big Ten Conference announced that it would adopt "a conference-only season" for all sports due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision resulted in the cancellation of the first three games of Michigan's 2020 season against Washington, Ball State, and Arkansas State.
Recruiting
Michigan signed a total of 21 recruits in its 2020 recruiting class, including eight that enrolled early. According to the 247Sports Composite, the class was ranked 14th in the nation, and second in the Big Ten Conference.
Schedule
While Michigan was originally scheduled to play non-conference games against Washington, Ball State, and Arkansas State, these games were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Big Ten Conference announced on July 9 that if the conference is to participate in a fall sports season, member schools will play a conference-only schedule. Michigan and the Big Ten have yet to provide an updated schedule. The original schedule, with the cancelled games removed, is presented below.
After hosting Arkansas State, Michigan will host the Wisconsin Badgers in their Big Ten Conference opener. Last season, Michigan lost to Wisconsin 35–14.
Penn State
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After facing Wisconsin, Michigan will host the Penn State Nittany Lions. Last season, Michigan lost to Penn State 21–28 in Penn State's annual White Out game.
at Michigan State
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After hosting Penn State, Michigan will travel to East Lansing to face its in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans, in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Last season, Michigan defeated Michigan State 44–10.
at Minnesota
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After facing in-state rival Michigan State, Michigan will travel to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the battle for the Little Brown Jug, The two teams last played each other in 2017 when Michigan defeated Minnesota 33–10.
Purdue
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After its game against Minnesota, Michigan will host the Purdue Boilermakers in their homecoming game. The two teams last played each other in 2017 when Michigan defeated Purdue 28–10.
Maryland
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After facing Purdue and having its bye week, Michigan will host the Maryland Terrapins. Last season, Michigan defeated Maryland 38–7.
Following its game against Rutgers, Michigan will host the Indiana Hoosiers in their final home game of the season. Last season, Michigan defeated Indiana 39–14.
at Ohio State
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Following its home finale against Indiana, Michigan travel to Columbus, Ohio to face their arch-rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the 117th playing of The Game. Last season, Michigan lost to Ohio State 56–27. Michigan last won against Ohio State in 2011, and has lost thirteen of the last fourteen games. The Game is one of the most storied rivalries in college football, between two top programs: either Michigan or Ohio State has been ranked in the AP Top 25 in 51 of the last 52 games since 1968.
