Michigan Miracle: Wolverines Buck Broncos on Final Play to Open Season

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan Stadium)

Score: #16 Michigan 13, Western Michigan 12

Records: U-M (1-0), WMU (0-1)

Attendance: 110,879

Next U-M Event: Saturday, Sept. 12 -- vs. Oklahoma (Michigan Stadium), Noon (TV: Fox)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 16-ranked University of Michigan football team opened its 2026 season with a stunning final-play victory over Western Michigan, as JJ Buchanan hauled in a 47-yard Hail Mary as time expired.

Trailing by five with 35 seconds left, Michigan drove to midfield with one second left before Buchanan recorded his first touchdown as a Wolverine in incredible fashion, coming down with a Hail Mary to seal the season-opening win.

In the victory, Buchanan set a career high in catches and yards, hauling in six passes for 126 yards and the game-winning score.

Despite its offensive struggles later in the game, the Wolverines started their 2026 campaign on the right foot, as Bryce Underwood scored from one yard out just over five minutes into the contest. The drive was highlighted by the first two Michigan catches for Buchanan, including a one-handed catch-and-run for 20 yards. In total, Underwood completed all five of his passes on the opening drive, recording 72 total yards and the score.

After the first drive, the Maize and Blue struggled to move the ball, punting four times. Despite this, the defense held strong, limiting Western Michigan to six points and helping U-M take a lead into halftime. During that stretch, Michigan forced five straight scoreless possessions, including four punts and a turnover on downs.

Crucial to the defensive success was junior edge rusher Dom Nichols, who recorded a career-high 2.5 tackles for loss (1.5 sacks), including a key third-down sack to force a Broncos punt.

Senior linebacker Troy Bowles also shined in the season opener, collecting a career-high 12 tackles, including two for loss.

Western Michigan controlled the clock in the second half, taking the lead on two field goals, including one from 39 yards on a 20-play, 71-yard drive that consumed 13:40. Michigan had just four possessions in the second half, with two of those drives ending in punts, and one resulting in a turnover before the final-play touchdown.

U-M overcame three turnovers and a 30 percent conversion rate on third down to secure the victory and improve its all-time record against the Broncos to 9-0.

Michigan continues its non-conference schedule next Saturday (Sept. 12), hosting No. 10-ranked Oklahoma at Michigan Stadium. The game, which will be a Maize Out, is scheduled for a noon kick on Fox.

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