Bryce Underwood finds JJ Buchanan on a second chance, game-winning touchdown as No. 16 Wolverines narrowly escape a massive upset in Kyle Whittingham’s debut
No. 16 Michigan opened the 2026 college football season with a victory, but hardly the kind anyone in Ann Arbor envisioned. The Wolverines survived Western Michigan 13–12 Saturday night at Michigan Stadium, escaping what appeared destined to be one of the biggest upsets of the opening weekend. Michigan trailed 12–7 with just 35 seconds remaining before quarterback Bryce Underwood delivered a spectacular 47-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan with one second left on the clock. The result preserved Michigan’s perfect record against Western Michigan and gave new head coach Kyle Whittingham a victory in his Wolverines debut.
The circumstances surrounding the finish made the victory even more dramatic. Michigan’s initial Hail Mary attempt appeared to end the game when Underwood’s pass sailed out of bounds as the clock reached zero. Western Michigan players and coaches began celebrating what would have been a stunning road upset. Instead, officials determined that one second remained, giving Michigan another opportunity from deep in its own territory. On the second attempt, Underwood connected with Buchanan for the 47-yard touchdown, turning a potential disaster into an unforgettable 13–12 victory.
That final play overshadowed a game in which Western Michigan had been the more composed team for long stretches. The Broncos entered Ann Arbor as significant underdogs, with the betting line placing Michigan around 27½ points ahead. Instead of being overwhelmed by the No. 16 Wolverines, Western Michigan’s defense kept Michigan's offense under control, while the Broncos consistently extended possessions and remained within striking distance throughout the night. The fact that Michigan needed a final-play touchdown simply to avoid defeat illustrates just how competitive the matchup became.
Michigan struck first, putting together an 11-play, 75-yard opening drive that ended with Underwood rushing for a one-yard touchdown. It looked like the beginning of the comfortable performance many expected from the Wolverines. Western Michigan immediately responded, however, with kicker D. Kelly connecting on a 52-yard field goal. Kelly added another field goal just before halftime, sending Michigan into the locker room with only a 7–6 advantage. From there, the Wolverines' offense struggled to generate the separation expected from a heavily favored Big Ten contender.
The third quarter produced no points, increasing the pressure on Michigan as the game entered its final period. Western Michigan eventually took control on the scoreboard when Kelly converted a 39-yard field goal with 10:25 remaining, putting the Broncos ahead 9–7. After Michigan failed to respond with a touchdown, Western Michigan added another field goal with only 35 seconds remaining, extending its lead to 12–7 and seemingly putting the upset within reach.
For Michigan, the closing sequence became a test of poise rather than dominance. With no timeouts and its season hanging in the balance, the Wolverines had to move 75 yards in just 35 seconds. Underwood and the Michigan offense managed to reach the necessary territory, setting up the desperate final throw. The first Hail Mary appeared unsuccessful, but the additional second changed everything. Underwood got another chance and made it count, delivering the defining moment of the night to Buchanan.
The victory nevertheless raises legitimate questions about Michigan. A team ranked No. 16 nationally and favored by more than four touchdowns cannot afford to spend most of a game struggling to move the football against an opponent it was expected to handle comfortably. The Wolverines scored only seven points in the first three quarters and ultimately needed a 47-yard desperation touchdown to escape. Winning is obviously the primary objective, but the performance exposed plenty of areas that Whittingham and his staff will have to address before Michigan's schedule becomes significantly more demanding.
At the same time, it would be unfair to dismiss Western Michigan’s performance. The Broncos entered the season after a 10–4 campaign and had legitimate reasons to believe they could compete. Quarterback Broc Lowry and running back Jalen Buckley returned after strong 2025 seasons, giving Western Michigan an experienced offensive foundation. Lowry had thrown for a 63.4% completion rate and rushed for 963 yards and 14 touchdowns the previous season, while Buckley had surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the second time in his career. Their presence helped make Western Michigan far more dangerous than the betting line suggested.
For Underwood, the night was a lesson in how quickly a difficult performance can become a defining moment. The sophomore quarterback struggled to establish consistent offensive rhythm for much of the evening, but when Michigan needed one play to save its season opener, he delivered. His 47-yard touchdown pass to Buchanan will immediately become one of the most memorable plays of the young 2026 season. More importantly for Michigan, Underwood demonstrated the kind of late-game confidence and arm talent the program will need as the schedule becomes much more challenging.
The timing could hardly be more important. Michigan now turns its attention to Oklahoma, which visits Michigan Stadium on Saturday, September 12, at noon ET. That matchup will provide a dramatically different test and a much better indication of where the Wolverines stand nationally. Michigan entered the season ranked No. 16 in both the AP poll and AFCA Coaches Poll, while its preseason SP+ projection placed the Wolverines among the nation's better teams. After an escape against Western Michigan, the Oklahoma game suddenly carries even greater significance.
Ultimately, Michigan got exactly what every team wants in September: a win. But the manner of the victory ensures that the conversation around the Wolverines will be far more complicated than a simple 1–0 record. Western Michigan pushed Michigan to the brink, and the Wolverines required a second chance on a Hail Mary to survive. Whittingham can celebrate his first victory in Ann Arbor, Underwood and Buchanan can savor a career-defining finish, and Michigan fans can enjoy an unforgettable night. But with Oklahoma next, the Wolverines will have little time to admire the miracle. The 13–12 escape was thrilling, but Michigan will need to be considerably better if it hopes to turn survival into a successful season.
