Michigan is the only Big Ten program who does not have a Power 5 opponent on its nonconference schedule in 2023.

The Wolverines are also 1 of only 9 FBS teams nationally where that applies. the other programs who won’t face Power 5 opposition outside of conference play are: Air Force, Boston College, Houston, Liberty, Oklahoma, Oregon State, UCF and UCLA. That’s according to an analysis from FBSchedules.com.

Of course, Michigan was originally scheduled to face UCLA in 2022 and 2023. However, the Wolverines canceled the series back in 2019 — prior to the Bruins’ agreement to join the Big Ten.

Michigan replaced UCLA with a home game vs. East Carolina for this upcoming season. This will be the Wolverines’ 1st-ever meeting with the Pirates in football.

Michigan also did not play a regular season nonconference game in 2022. Instead, it took on UConn, Hawaii and Colorado State. Michigan won those 3 games by a combined score of 166-17.

Looking ahead, Michigan does have several power conference teams on its schedule in the future. Michigan will play Texas in 2024 and 2027, Oklahoma in 2025 and 2026, Washington in 2028 and Notre Dame in 2033 and 2034.